Tailgate Season Means Backyard Fire Pits Too
Ohio State football weekends have a way of spilling out of the stadium and into backyards all over Columbus, OH. Between pregame cookouts and postgame hangouts, plenty of homeowners have added a fire pit to the mix. It’s a great way to keep the tailgate energy going, but it’s also worth understanding how that fire pit fits into your home insurance.
Fixed vs. Portable: Does It Matter?
Insurers generally look at fire pits a bit differently depending on how permanent they are. A built-in stone fire pit is treated more like a structure attached to your property, while a portable metal fire bowl is closer to personal property. Either way, the bigger question usually isn’t the fire pit itself, it’s what happens around it.
Where Liability Actually Comes Into Play
If a guest gets burned, trips over the pit in the dark, or a stray ember damages a neighbor’s fence, liability coverage is typically what responds. Ferrell Agency in Columbus, OH hears from plenty of homeowners who never considered their weekend fire pit gatherings as a liability question until something actually happened.
A Few Ways to Keep Tailgate Season Safer
- Keep the fire pit a safe distance from fences, sheds, and low branches
- Have a clear, well-lit path around the seating area
- Keep a water source or extinguisher nearby during gatherings
- Check local Columbus ordinances on open burning before lighting up
Talk to Your Agent Before the Next Home Game
A quick conversation now can save a lot of stress later. Ferrell Agency helps homeowners across Columbus, OH understand exactly how their liability coverage applies to backyard gatherings, so game day stays fun instead of stressful. For more on how your policy’s coverages and exclusions work together, check out our related post on understanding your home insurance policy. Visit Ferrell Agency to talk through your coverage today.
