A new driver in the family. A long-awaited home project. A puppy. A seat on a nonprofit board. A backyard full of friends. Many of life's best moments come with a mix of excitement and responsibility. 

Most of us wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. The goal isn't to avoid them. It's to approach them thoughtfully so they remain the source of enjoyment we expect them to be. 

The examples below highlight several situations that can lead to liability claims, along with practical steps that can help reduce risk. Personal excess liability coverage provides an important additional layer of protection when the unexpected happens. 

Adding a young driver to the household is an exciting milestone—one that naturally comes with increased responsibility and, for many parents, a measure of concern. Among PURE’s membership, teen drivers are three times more likely than experienced drivers to be involved in an at-fault accident, and those crashes tend to be more than twice as severe. They are also nearly five times more likely to involve bodily injury. It is not surprising, then, that teen driving remains one of the leading contributors to catastrophic liability claims. 

What you can do: 

• Limit teenage passengers when your new driver is behind the wheel. Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that crash risk increases when teen drivers have other teens in the car, which can be a significant distraction. 
• Limit driving at night or in bad weather until more experience is gained. According to the CDC, the most severe teen crashes occur between 9 p.m. and midnight when visibility is lower. Inclement weather also increases risk, and teens often lack the experience to respond safely. 
• Ensure your auto coverage—and your excess liability limits—reflect this new stage for your family. 
• Talk to your teens about safe driving and stay actively involved. PURE supports families with our Roadmap to Safer Driving, an interactive guide that helps parents have open, honest discussions with their teens about driving rules, responsibilities and expectations, and offers a complimentary two-year Gold subscription to Life360 to eligible members to encourage safer, more responsible driving habits. 

For many households, gatherings are part of the rhythm of life—and among its most meaningful moments. Features of a property that appear sound can weaken over time. Railings, decks, docks, walkways and other outdoor structures may deteriorate gradually without visible warning. Inspecting and maintaining these areas, especially when purchasing renovating, or preparing to host, can help prevent significant injury. 

Risk increases when water and alcohol are involved. Pools, ponds, and other bodies of water raise both the likelihood and severity of injury. In group settings, supervision can become unclear—guests may assume someone else is watching, even in a crowded setting. Alcohol further impairs judgment and slows reaction time. 

What you can do: 

• Inspect the areas where your gathering will be held and address any maintenance concerns like loose or rotting railings, damaged steps or uneven pathways. 
• Take note of any areas on your property that could pose a higher risk of injury—like pools, natural bodies of water or activity areas such as trampolines or zip lines—and make them off-limits during your gathering. If you plan to allow swimming or other activities, consider hiring a professional lifeguard to supervise. 
• If alcohol is served, keep an eye out for overconsumption or concerning behavior. Never serve alcohol to minors or allow underage drinking at your gathering. For larger events, consider hiring a professional bartender or private security to provide an added level of oversight. 
• Make sure outdoor areas are well lit for any evening events. Good lighting helps guests see changes in terrain, steps or wet surfaces, reducing the risk of an accident. It’s also helpful to keep walkways and entry points illuminated if you’re expecting deliveries. 

For many of us, pets are part of the family. We want them included in the moments that bring people together. At the same time, our claims experience shows that gatherings, crowds, and changes in routine can sometimes lead even well-behaved dogs to react in unexpected ways. 

In many cases, the dog was familiar with the injured person and had no prior history of aggression. These incidents are often surprising precisely because they involve beloved pets in otherwise familiar settings. 

Industry-wide, dog-related liability continues to increase in both frequency and severity. These injuries accounted for $1.9 billion in losses in 2025. Claims increased 26% year over year, and costs have risen more than 86% over the past decade—driven largely by more severe outcomes. 

What you can do: 
Even well-behaved dogs can react unpredictably in new or unfamiliar situations. It’s best not to assume otherwise.

• Stay alert and actively monitor your dog and their interactions with guests, especially in unusual or high-energy settings.  
• Learn to recognize behavioral cues that may indicate your dog is not at ease, and understand how factors like noise, crowds or new environments can influence their reactions.  
• Consider removing your dogs from the gathering altogether or keeping them safely separated. Options like boarding, keeping your dog in a separate area of the home or arranging a pet sitter can help create a safer environment for both your guests and your pet. 

When you bring professionals onto your property—whether household staff, contractors or other service providers—it is important to define roles and expectations clearly from the outset and, where appropriate, confirm that the provider has adequate insurance coverage in place. 

Claims involving domestic staff and contractors often stem not from bad intent, but from informal arrangements or misunderstandings about classification and coverage. Once attorneys become involved, the situation can escalate quickly. Establishing clarity early helps prevent unnecessary expenses and conflict. 

What you can do: 
Before work begins, it is critical that you take steps to:

• Make sure to put the role, schedule, compensation and responsibilities in writing. 
• Establish how hours will be tracked and how overtime or schedule changes will be handled. 
• Confirm whether the individual is working as your employee or as an independent contractor.  
• For contractors and service providers, request confirmation of insurance coverage and limits. 

Serving on a board or volunteering time is meaningful work, but it can also create personal liability exposure that is not always obvious. Most organizations maintain Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance, and it is important to understand what coverage is in place, what limits apply and how that protection extends to individual board members. 

Allegations involving governance decisions, financial oversight or employment matters can lead to significant defense costs—even when service is unpaid and well-intentioned. While the organization should generally have coverage for these issues, our not-for-profit Directors & Officers liability coverage, available as an endorsement to your personal excess liability policy, can provide an additional layer of protection if a claim exceeds the organization’s limits. PURE offers limits between $1 million and $5 million for this coverage. 

What you can do:  

• Understand how the organization is governed by becoming familiar with bylaws and other governing documents. 
• Familiarize yourself with your duties and responsibilities as a board member, including being familiar with the minimum standards in your state. 
• Stay engaged and informed by actively participating in meetings and making decisions thoughtfully using your best judgment.