Paul Sanchez
Trampolines are a fun addition to any home, but they can also be a liability risk. If someone gets injured on your trampoline, you could be held liable, and your insurance company may have to pay for the injuries and legal fees. This is why trampolines are considered an attractive nuisance in the insurance world, and why some insurance companies may increase your premium or deny coverage altogether. So, before you buy a trampoline, it's important to check with your insurance company to see how it could impact your policy and whether you need to take any safety precautions, such as installing safety netting or fencing, to be eligible for coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trampolines increase the risk of injury | High risk of injury to guests and children |
| Trampolines are considered an attractive nuisance | An attractive nuisance invites children, increasing the risk of injury and liability claims |
| Trampoline insurance coverage | Depends on the insurance company and location; some companies may require safety netting or fencing |
| Impact on insurance premiums | May increase insurance premiums due to higher risk |
| Liability coverage | May be included in homeowners insurance, but additional umbrella insurance may be necessary |
| Non-disclosure consequences | Failure to disclose trampoline ownership may result in claim denial or policy cancellation |
| Trampoline damage coverage | May be covered under personal property coverage for damages by covered perils, such as vandalism or windstorms |
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What You'll Learn
Trampoline as an attractive nuisance
Trampolines are considered an attractive nuisance, which is a fancy way of saying that they are inviting or attractive to children, who may be lured in and subsequently harmed. This means that, as a property owner, you are more vulnerable under the law if a child is injured on a trampoline on your property. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages the use of trampolines in recreational settings, as they were not originally designed for children. Children, especially young children, often have a hard time controlling the trajectory of their bouncing while playing on trampolines, which can result in thousands of injuries every year.
If you have an attractive nuisance on your property, you are expected to take reasonable precautions to secure them. This includes installing a fence that is at least four feet tall, including a locking gate, and situating the trampoline on level ground. You should also set rules for trampoline use, such as no children under 6, no more than one user at a time, and adult supervision.
In terms of insurance, having a trampoline increases the risk of someone filing a liability claim against you, and your policy premium may increase when you notify your insurer of a trampoline on your property. Some insurance companies don't allow trampolines and will exclude coverage, so it's important to be truthful with insurers when disclosing attractive nuisances on your property. If you need more than a $500,000 liability limit, which is the maximum offered on most standard homeowners insurance policies, umbrella insurance can increase your liability coverage.
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Trampoline safety measures
Trampolines are a great source of entertainment and exercise but can also be very dangerous if safety rules are not followed. Here are some safety measures to consider to avoid trampoline-related injuries:
Location and Setup:
- Choose a clear, flat area free from hazards such as fences, hedges, trees, washing lines, or other equipment.
- Place the trampoline on soft, energy-absorbing ground, such as sand or bark, to provide a cushioning effect in case of falls.
- Avoid placing the trampoline on concrete, asphalt, or other hard surfaces without safety nets or crash mats.
- Create a safe fall zone of at least 8 feet around the trampoline and keep this area clear.
- Purchase a round trampoline as rectangular trampolines provide a dangerously high bounce.
- Install high trampoline safety nets around the perimeter to prevent falls.
- Use shock-absorbing trampoline safety pads to cover springs, hooks, and the frame.
- Regularly inspect the trampoline for tears, broken fixtures, and damaged netting, pads, or other parts. Replace any damaged components before use.
- Remove objects underneath the trampoline to prevent collisions.
Usage Guidelines:
- Supervise children at all times during trampoline activity and ensure they follow safety rules.
- Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time to prevent collisions.
- Prohibit somersaults, flips, and other gymnastic stunts, as they can lead to neck and head injuries.
- Encourage users to stop bouncing and carefully walk to the edge before sitting and sliding off.
- Prevent young children from accessing the trampoline unsupervised by removing ladders or chairs nearby.
- Do not allow children to play on a wet trampoline.
- Ensure users remove shoes, socks, jewellery, hats, and items from their pockets before jumping.
- Wear appropriate athletic clothing, avoiding items with embellishments or large buttons.
Insurance Considerations:
- Disclose the presence of a trampoline to your insurance company. Failure to do so may result in policy cancellation or denial of claims.
- Check with your insurer if they cover trampolines and understand the safety requirements stipulated in your policy.
- Consider increasing your personal liability limits or obtaining umbrella insurance to cover potential trampoline-related injuries and lawsuits.
By following these safety measures and staying informed about insurance implications, you can help ensure a safer trampoline experience for you and your family.
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Trampoline damage and personal property coverage
Trampolines are considered a high-risk item by insurance companies due to the increased likelihood of injuries and property damage. As a result, insurance providers may increase your premium when you notify them of a trampoline on your property. Some insurance companies may even deny coverage or cancel your policy if you have a trampoline.
If your insurance company does provide coverage for trampolines, personal property coverage may pay to repair or replace your trampoline if it is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril, such as vandalism, theft, or a windstorm. This coverage is typically subject to your policy's coverage limits and deductible.
In the event of damage caused by your trampoline to your own property, such as your house, fence, or gazebo, dwelling coverage or other structures coverage may pay for the necessary repairs or replacements. On the other hand, if your trampoline causes damage to your neighbour's property, your liability insurance may cover the damages, provided you are not found negligent for improper anchoring.
It is important to note that insurance companies may require certain safety precautions to be in place for trampoline coverage to be valid. These precautions may include safety nets, pads, or lowering the trampoline to ground level. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in denied claims or policy cancellation.
To ensure adequate coverage, it is recommended to increase your personal liability limits and consider purchasing an umbrella insurance policy, which provides additional liability protection beyond your homeowner's policy. This can help cover the costs of substantial lawsuits resulting from trampoline-related injuries.
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Trampoline liability and insurance claims
Trampolines are considered an "attractive nuisance" in the insurance world, which means they are inviting or attractive to children, resulting in potential trespassing and injuries. This increases the risk of someone filing a liability claim against you, and insurance companies may view them as high-risk items that lead to more claims and payouts.
If someone is injured while using your trampoline, you could be held liable, and your personal liability coverage may help pay for the injuries and legal fees up to your policy's limit. However, some policies only cover injuries if certain safety precautions are taken, such as limiting the number of people on the trampoline or installing safety netting. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a denial of coverage.
It is crucial to disclose the presence of a trampoline to your insurance company. Non-disclosure may lead to policy cancellation or claim denial due to misrepresentation of risk. Some insurers may not cover trampolines at all, while others may require safety measures like netting or fencing. If your current insurer doesn't cover trampolines, you may need to shop around for alternative providers.
To increase your liability coverage limits, you can consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy (PUP). This additional layer of protection can help cover expenses that exceed the limits of your standard homeowner's insurance policy, providing coverage for substantial lawsuits or medical bills resulting from trampoline-related injuries.
In summary, trampoline ownership can impact your insurance rates and liability coverage. It is essential to be transparent with your insurance company, understand their safety requirements, and consider additional coverage options to ensure adequate protection in the event of trampoline-related incidents.
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Trampoline insurance options
Trampolines are considered an "attractive nuisance" by insurance companies, meaning they are inviting to children who might trespass on your property and harm themselves. This increases the risk of someone filing a liability claim against you. As a result, trampoline ownership can lead to higher insurance premiums.
Insurance Options
If you own a trampoline, it is important to inform your insurance company. Failure to disclose this information could result in your policy being cancelled or a claim being denied. Some insurance companies may not cover trampolines at all, while others may require safety precautions such as safety netting or fencing to be in place.
If your current insurance company does not allow trampolines, you may need to shop around for a new provider. You can also consider increasing your personal liability limit and adding an umbrella insurance policy, which can provide additional coverage if you are found liable for an injury that occurs on your trampoline.
When purchasing a trampoline, it is important to consider the potential impact on your insurance and to take the necessary steps to ensure you have adequate coverage. This may include increasing your liability coverage, adding an umbrella policy, or shopping around for a new insurance provider.
To ensure you have the correct coverage, it is always best to speak directly with your insurance agent or company. They can advise you on any additional safety requirements and provide clarity on the extent of your coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Trampolines are considered an "attractive nuisance" in the insurance world, which means they are deemed hazardous and likely to attract children. This increases the risk of injury and the likelihood of claims being filed, which results in higher premiums.
You can take safety precautions such as limiting the number of people on the trampoline at once, or putting up safety netting or fencing to prevent falls.
If your insurance company finds out that you have a trampoline and you did not inform them, they may deny you coverage, even if your claim is unrelated to the trampoline.
You can shop around for a new insurance company that does cover trampolines, or you can purchase a personal umbrella policy (PUP) to increase your liability coverage.
