The way people live, travel, connect, and share space continues to shift, and those shifts can create liability risks that aren’t always obvious. As we move through 2026, several rising trends are increasing the likelihood of costly claims, from accidental injuries to property damage. Here’s a look at what’s driving these changes and how an umbrella policy can help keep you protected.
Increased Exposure From Multiple Properties and Rentals
Many homeowners now own one or more rental properties, whether long-term rentals, vacation homes, or investment properties. Each additional property brings added liability exposure—more tenants, more visitors, and more chances for accidents or injuries. Even with liability coverage in place for each property, claims can quickly exceed individual policy limits. For property owners with multiple rentals, an umbrella policy is often a key layer of protection to help safeguard personal assets if a serious claim arises.
More Hosting, More Foot Traffic, More Potential for Injuries
Whether it’s weekend gatherings, holiday visitors, or regular game nights, Americans are hosting more frequently. More guests on your property naturally increase the chances of slip-and-fall incidents or accidental injuries. Even minor mishaps can lead to significant medical or legal expenses, and if a claim exceeds your homeowners liability limits, umbrella coverage becomes a valuable safety net. While homeowners policies typically include personal liability coverage, claims that exceed those limits may leave homeowners financially exposed, making umbrella insurance an important backstop.
Pet Ownership Continues to Climb
Pets—especially dogs—remain one of the most common sources of liability claims. A friendly dog can still react unexpectedly, and a single bite or a jump-on incident may result in medical bills or legal action. With pet adoption numbers still rising, umbrella insurance can provide important additional protection if an incident surpasses the limits of your primary policy. Most homeowners policies include some level of animal liability coverage, but certain breeds, prior incidents, or claim severity can limit coverage or exhaust policy limits.
A New Era of Shared Spaces: Renting Rooms, Driveways, and Storage
Homeowners are finding creative ways to use their property—from renting out spare bedrooms to offering driveway parking or storage space—but these arrangements can also introduce new exposures. Renting through peer-to-peer platforms brings safety and legal risks, with incidents ranging from slips, falls, and property damage to more serious injuries involving guests and neighbors. Because many standard policies aren’t designed to cover accidents in short-term rental situations, hosts may find themselves financially vulnerable if someone is hurt or property is damaged. Some hosts may even require renters or guests to carry their own liability coverage. The bottom line: An umbrella policy can help provide broader protection when claims exceed primary policy limits or involve multiple parties
Staying Ready for Tomorrow’s Risks
Lifestyle trends come and go, but liability risks remain—and often grow in unexpected ways. Umbrella insurance adds an extra layer of coverage that extends beyond the limits of your homeowners or auto policies, helping safeguard your assets and future plans. A quick review with a Westwood agent can help ensure your coverage reflects your current lifestyle and the risks that come with it.
Please note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.
