Nothing beats the sizzle of burgers on a hot grill, the aroma of barbecue smoke drifting through the neighborhood, and friends gathering in your backyard for a perfect summer evening. Yet behind these cherished moments lurks a sobering reality: Summer is prime grilling season and peak time for backyard fire accidents.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report on grilling safety shows gas grill fires cause an average of 9,287 home fires annually, resulting in deaths, injuries, and millions in property damage. Homeowners insurance offers crucial protection — but standard policies have deductibles, limits, and exclusions. Brooks, Todd & McNeil specializes in helping you identify and protect against potentially disastrous coverage gaps.
The Hidden Risks of Backyard Grilling
The NFPA also reports that July experiences the highest incidence of grill fires, with June, May, and August following closely behind.
Top grilling hazards include:
- Grease buildup can ignite and spread flames to nearby structures.
- Gas leaks from damaged propane lines can create explosion dangers.
- Unattended cooking allows fires to escalate unchecked.
- Poor grill placement increases risk, especially when too close to siding, decks, or overhanging branches.
Being aware of these dangers is the first step to ensuring a safe grilling experience.
Liability Risks Beyond Fires
While fires can cause substantial property damage, non-fire incidents also create liability exposure. Grill accidents can lead to costly medical claims if guests or neighbors suffer burns, smoke inhalation, or slip-and-fall injuries. Liability may also stem from hot surface burns, carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use, and even foodborne illness from undercooked food.
Homeowners insurance helps pay medical bills and legal defense costs if you’re found responsible for such incidents. However, standard policies typically provide only $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage, which may prove insufficient for serious injuries requiring long-term medical care.
How Homeowners Insurance Responds to Grill Accidents
Standard homeowners insurance generally covers fire damage to your home or attached structures caused by grilling accidents. It provides liability protection if guests or neighbors suffer injuries due to your grill.
However, you face potential out-of-pocket costs — including policy deductibles ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for property damage — and liability limits that may prove inadequate for serious injuries or lawsuits. A severe burn injury or a slip-and-fall accident resulting in long-term medical care can quickly exceed the standard liability limits. Carriers may also deny coverage if negligence is involved, such as ignoring manufacturer instructions or violating safety codes.
Recommended Grill Safety Best Practices
Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires. Learn how to check for gas leaks before lighting a propane grill, including using soapy water on all connections.
Never leave a lit grill unattended, even for a brief moment. Keep children and pets at least 10 feet away from the grilling area, and store a fire extinguisher nearby in case of flare-ups.
Adequate lighting for evening grilling is crucial, as it helps you see the food, prevents tripping over objects, and ensures you can monitor the grill and the surrounding area. To further enhance safety, remove tripping hazards.
When To Consider Additional Coverage
If you frequently host large gatherings, your standard liability limit may be insufficient to cover today’s high medical and legal costs.
A personal umbrella policy provides an additional $1 million to $10 million in liability protection beyond standard homeowners insurance for approximately $200 to $400 per year. This extra coverage can give you the confidence you need to host events this summer.
Review your coverage limits annually to stay ahead of potential risks and ensure you have the right coverage when you need it. Consider making adjustments for the appreciation of your home’s value, any new outdoor structures, or the growth of assets that could increase your exposure to larger lawsuits.
Enjoy Summer Grilling With Peace of Mind
Backyard grilling should be enjoyable, not stressful. Following safety guidelines helps prevent accidents — and reviewing your homeowners insurance allows you to get the protection you need in case anything goes wrong.
To enjoy backyard grilling and host with confidence, contact Brooks, Todd & McNeil today. We can discuss your policy limits, offer expert analysis, and explore options for added liability protection.
About Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Since 1839, the independent agents at Brooks, Todd & McNeil have been pleased to offer our community the best and most affordable policies from a variety of providers. For immediate assistance, call us today at (800) 448-4567.