Alyssa Lane
Trampolines are a fun addition to any home but they can also be dangerous. Tens of thousands of children are injured on trampolines each year, and insurance companies often consider them to be an attractive nuisance. This means that children will likely be drawn to use them without understanding the risks, and the property owner may be held liable for any injuries. Homeowners insurance policies vary in how they cover trampolines, with some requiring safety measures like safety netting or a fence, and others excluding coverage altogether. If you don't inform your insurance company about your trampoline, they may deny a claim or cancel your policy. So, it's important to ask your insurer about their policy and take the necessary safety precautions to prevent accidents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you need to tell your homeowners insurance company about a trampoline? | Yes, it is in your best interest to inform your insurer about a trampoline on your property. Misrepresentation may cause a provider to cancel a policy or deny a claim. |
| What happens if you don't inform them? | If you fail to notify your insurer, they could cancel or non-renew your coverage, or deny any trampoline-related claims. |
| What are the risks associated with trampolines? | Trampolines are considered a high-risk item with a significantly increased risk of injuries. Tens of thousands of children get hurt on trampolines each year, and you may be held liable for medical costs and lawsuits. |
| How do insurance companies cover trampolines? | Coverage varies by insurance company. Some may cover it, some may require safety measures like a fence or netting, and others might exclude coverage altogether. |
| What can you do to protect yourself? | Consider buying a personal umbrella policy (PUP) to protect against large liability claims that exceed the limits of your home insurance policy. Increase your liability coverage limits and take safety precautions, such as putting up netting around the trampoline. |
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What You'll Learn
- Trampolines are considered an attractive nuisance by insurers, which increases liability risk
- Non-disclosure of a trampoline may result in policy cancellation or claim denial
- Some insurers may cover trampolines with safety measures, like safety netting
- If covered, trampolines are considered personal property and may increase insurance premiums
- Personal umbrella policies can provide additional liability coverage for trampoline-related injuries
Trampolines are considered an attractive nuisance by insurers, which increases liability risk
Trampolines are a fun addition to your backyard, but they also come with some risks. Many insurers consider them to be an "attractive nuisance", which means that children will likely be drawn to use them without understanding the risks involved. This classification increases liability risk for the homeowner.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that Americans experienced over 300,000 trampoline-related injuries in 2018, with 90% of these injuries occurring in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended against home trampolines for some time. Despite these warnings, trampolines remain popular with children and families across the United States.
If someone is injured on your trampoline and decides to sue, your homeowners insurance may cover your personal liability. However, your insurer may require that safety measures be in place, such as a fence or safety netting, for coverage to apply. Some insurers may not cover trampolines at all.
It is important to inform your insurance company if you own a trampoline. Failing to disclose this information could result in claim denial or policy cancellation if a trampoline-related injury occurs. The risk of out-of-pocket expenses is also higher if your insurer is not aware of the trampoline, as they may not cover any damages or injuries that occur.
To ensure you are adequately covered, it is recommended to increase your personal liability limit and consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy, which provides additional liability coverage beyond that of your homeowners policy. Taking safety precautions, such as installing a safety net and setting age and weight limits, can also help reduce the risk of injuries and lawsuits.
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Non-disclosure of a trampoline may result in policy cancellation or claim denial
Trampolines are considered a high-risk item by insurance companies, and they are often excluded from coverage. This is due to the significantly increased risk of injuries associated with their use. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Americans experienced over 300,000 trampoline-related injuries in 2018, with 90% of these injuries occurring in children. As a result, insurance companies view trampolines as an attractive nuisance, meaning they are likely to attract children who may not fully understand the risks involved. This increases the likelihood of injuries and subsequent liability claims for the property owner.
If you own a trampoline, it is crucial to disclose it to your homeowners insurance company. Non-disclosure may result in policy cancellation or claim denial for several reasons. Firstly, insurance is based on the principle of risk assessment and sharing. By not disclosing the presence of a trampoline, you are misrepresenting the risks associated with your property. Insurance companies need to know all the risks they are covering to determine the appropriate coverage and premiums. If they are unaware of a significant risk factor, they may retroactively cancel your policy or deny a claim related to the undisclosed trampoline.
Secondly, insurance companies have specific safety requirements for trampoline coverage. These may include installing safety nets, purchasing springless models, or opting for in-ground trampolines. By not disclosing your trampoline, you miss out on the opportunity to understand and implement these safety measures, increasing the risk of injuries and claims.
Additionally, non-disclosure may impact your ability to receive adequate coverage. If your insurance company is unaware of your trampoline, they may not provide the necessary liability coverage for injuries or lawsuits that may arise. This could leave you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident. Furthermore, some insurance companies may deny coverage altogether if they discover undisclosed risks, even if the claim is unrelated to the trampoline.
Finally, non-disclosure of a trampoline may affect your relationship with your insurance company. Insurance is based on trust and transparency. By not disclosing a significant risk factor, you breach this trust, which may lead to difficulties in future negotiations or claims. It is always best to be upfront and honest with your insurance provider to ensure you have the necessary coverage and peace of mind.
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Some insurers may cover trampolines with safety measures, like safety netting
Trampolines are a lot of fun, but they also come with risks. Many insurers consider them an "attractive nuisance", which means that children will likely try to use them without understanding the risks. This means that you, the property owner, may be held liable if a child gets hurt on your trampoline, even without your permission. Due to these risks, some insurers may not cover trampolines at all.
However, some insurers may cover trampolines if certain safety measures are in place. These safety measures typically include adding a safety net, purchasing a "springless" model, or installing an in-ground trampoline. For example, if your trampoline is enclosed with safety netting, your homeowners insurance may cover your personal liability if someone is injured on your trampoline and sues. In addition to safety netting, other safety measures such as installing a fence around the property, limiting the number of people jumping at a time, and prohibiting flips can also help reduce the risk of injuries.
It's important to note that even if your insurance company does include coverage for trampolines, your premium will likely increase. This is because you are handing over a high risk to them, which means there is a higher chance of injuries occurring, resulting in more claims filed and payouts.
The best way to ensure you're covered is to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. This includes taking as many safety precautions as possible, such as those mentioned above. It is also recommended to increase your personal liability limit and consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy (PUP), which provides additional liability coverage beyond that of your underlying homeowners policy.
Before buying a trampoline, it is crucial to contact your insurance provider and ask about their policy regarding trampolines. If your insurer does not cover trampolines, you may need to find a new insurer or consider additional insurance options to ensure you are protected in case of any accidents.
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If covered, trampolines are considered personal property and may increase insurance premiums
If your insurance company does include coverage for trampolines, it will be considered your personal property. This means that if your trampoline is damaged by a covered peril, such as a windstorm, your insurance company will pay to repair or replace it. However, your home insurance deductible will apply, so the cost of repairing or replacing your trampoline must be more than your deductible. In addition, if your trampoline is damaged in a storm and smashes into your neighbour's property, your home insurance coverage may cover the damage to your neighbour's property.
However, it is important to note that insurance carriers often exclude trampolines from coverage. Those that do include coverage tend to require a range of added safety features to qualify, such as a fence or safety netting. Trampolines are considered high-risk items with a significantly increased risk of injuries, which can result in more claims and payouts for insurance companies. As a result, if your insurer does cover your trampoline, it will likely increase your insurance premiums.
The best way to ensure you are covered is to take as many safety precautions as possible. This includes putting up netting around the trampoline to reduce the risk of someone falling off and limiting the number of people who can use the trampoline at the same time. It is also important to ask your insurer directly whether your insurance policy would provide coverage in the event of a trampoline injury. If your insurer does not cover trampolines, you may want to consider buying a personal umbrella policy (PUP), which can provide additional liability coverage beyond that of your homeowners policy.
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Personal umbrella policies can provide additional liability coverage for trampoline-related injuries
Trampolines are a fun addition to your backyard, but they come with some risks. Tens of thousands of children get hurt on trampolines each year, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended against home trampolines for some time. Trampolines are considered to be a high-risk item associated with a significantly increased risk of injuries. Many insurers consider a trampoline to be an "attractive nuisance", which means children will likely try to use it without fully understanding the risks. This means you may be held liable if a child gets hurt on your trampoline, even if they use it without your permission.
Home insurance policies differ in how they address backyard trampolines. Some insurance companies consider trampolines a dealbreaker and will cancel or refuse to renew your home insurance policy if you get one. Others may cover trampolines as part of a standard policy with no extra charges, while some may require safety measures like a fence or netting. If your insurance company does include coverage for trampolines, that means your trampoline will be protected if it’s damaged by a covered event, like a windstorm.
Personal umbrella policies (PUP) can provide additional liability coverage for trampoline-related injuries. Umbrella policies typically increase your liability coverage in million-dollar increments. So, if your liability coverage was $300,000 and you had a standard umbrella policy, you’d actually have $1.3 million in potential liability protection. For example, if someone got hurt on your trampoline and you were found liable for $500,000 in damages, your homeowners insurance would cover the first $300,000 and your PUP would pick up the remaining $200,000.
It is important to ask your insurer directly whether your insurance policy would provide you with a defence if somebody were to sue you for a trampoline injury. If your insurer offers trampoline coverage, review the safety must-haves and set them up before the trampoline arrives. Trampoline owners should take as many safety precautions as possible, including putting up netting around the trampoline to reduce the risk of someone falling off.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should inform your insurance company if you get a trampoline. If you don't, your policy may be cancelled due to misrepresentation.
If you don't inform your insurance company about your trampoline, they may deny coverage for any trampoline-related claims or even cancel your policy.
Trampolines are considered high-risk items that increase the likelihood of injuries and subsequent claims. Insurance companies need to know about this added risk.
It depends on your insurance provider. Some companies cover trampolines with no exclusions, while others require safety measures like netting, and some exclude coverage altogether.
If someone gets injured on your trampoline, you may be held liable for medical costs and lawsuits. Your homeowners insurance may cover these costs if you have personal liability coverage.
