Paul Sanchez
Owning a swimming pool can be enjoyable, but it can also be dangerous and potentially lead to expensive insurance claims. Most home insurance policies include some liability protection, but you may want more if you have a swimming pool. State Farm® may be able to cover pool damage depending on the type of policy a person carries and the material of the fence. It is important to understand your policy to be better prepared for the unexpected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coverage for freestanding pools | May be protected under a homeowner's insurance policy |
| Coverage for pool damage | Not covered under State Farm's basic policy; requires additional liability coverage |
| Coverage for pool equipment | Not covered under State Farm's basic policy; may be covered under "plumbing system" protection |
| Coverage for other structures | Covered under State Farm's policy for detached garages, pool houses, guest houses, etc. |
| Coverage for personal property | Covered under State Farm's policy for personal belongings and certain types of property |
| Coverage for additional living expenses | Covered under State Farm's policy for temporary lodging and meal expenses if the home is uninhabitable |
| Coverage for liability | Covered under State Farm's policy for injury or property damage to a third party |
| Coverage for medical payments | Covered under State Farm's policy for limited medical payments for accidental injuries to a third party |
| Coverage for home systems protection | Covered under State Farm's policy for certain perils not typically covered by a homeowner's policy |
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What You'll Learn
- State Farm may not cover pool damage due to freezing
- Home Systems Protection endorsement may cover pool damage
- Homeowners insurance may cover pool damage under other structures
- Homeowners insurance may cover pool damage under liability
- Homeowners insurance may not cover damage due to lack of maintenance
State Farm may not cover pool damage due to freezing
Home insurance policies typically cover damage to the physical dwelling structure and other structures attached to it, such as a detached garage, pool house, guest house, or tool shed. The coverage amount varies from policy to policy, and it is important to review and understand your specific policy to know what is covered.
In the case of pool damage due to freezing, some policies may exclude this type of damage. For example, if your policy specifically states an exclusion for damage to your pool due to freezing, then any damage caused by freezing would not be covered.
However, there may be exceptions. For instance, if the damage was caused by an electrical power loss that resulted in the pool freezing, your insurance company may consider covering the damage. Additionally, if your policy provides coverage for freezing to plumbing systems, and your pool equipment is considered part of the plumbing system, then the damage may be covered.
It is always a good idea to review your policy carefully and contact your insurance agent or carrier to understand your coverage and any special requirements or endorsements that may be needed to protect your pool.
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Home Systems Protection endorsement may cover pool damage
If you have a pool, it may be protected under your homeowners insurance policy. However, there are limitations on what types of damage are covered. It is important to review your policy to understand the specific coverage related to pools.
Homeowners insurance typically covers unforeseen or accidental damage, such as fire, smoke, hail, windstorms, and frozen pipes. However, it is important to note that damage due to a lack of maintenance or wear and tear is usually not covered. Additionally, some policies may not cover damage to a pool that is left empty.
In the case of pool damage, the type of coverage that may apply is "'other structures' coverage". This applies if the physical structure of the pool is damaged. Most above-ground and in-ground pools are considered "other structures," and they are covered against the same perils as other structures, such as a detached garage or shed.
While your pool may be covered under "other structures" coverage, it is important to note that most policies only pay the replacement cost for other structures that are considered "buildings," and a pool is not typically classified as a building. Instead, the loss may be paid at the actual cash value (depreciated value), which may not be much if the pool is older.
Additionally, homeowners insurance may provide liability coverage for pools. This protects you against injury claims that arise from the use of the pool. The Insurance Information Institute recommends increasing your liability protection or purchasing an umbrella policy to adequately protect yourself against potential claims.
In some cases, your pool equipment may be considered part of the "plumbing system." If your policy provides coverage for freezing to plumbing systems, you may be able to claim damage to your pool equipment due to freezing temperatures. However, it is important to carefully review the definition of "plumbing system" in your policy to determine if it applies to your pool equipment.
While State Farm generally covers pool damage under the Home Systems Protection endorsement, as mentioned by a State Farm employee in Georgia, it is important to note that coverage may vary depending on your location and specific policy. Therefore, it is always advisable to contact your insurance agent or carrier to review your policy and confirm the coverage for your pool.
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Homeowners insurance may cover pool damage under other structures
A standard homeowners insurance policy from State Farm may cover pool damage under 'other structures' in certain circumstances. While policies vary, a typical homeowners policy can provide insurance protection for the home and other structures attached to it, such as a detached garage, pool house, guest house, or tool shed. Most permanently installed above-ground pools and in-ground pools are considered 'other structures' and are covered against the same perils as an unattached shed. However, it's important to note that there are limitations on what types of damage can be covered by your policy for outdoor structures.
State Farm recommends increasing liability protection or purchasing an umbrella liability policy if you have a swimming pool. This is because pools are considered ''attractive nuisances,', which can be enjoyable additions to your property but also pose potential dangers and lead to expensive claims payouts. Your homeowners liability coverage applies to your pool, protecting you against injury claims that may arise from its use.
It's worth noting that some homeowners policies won't cover a pool that is left empty, and your city or insurance company may have specific eligibility requirements, such as requiring a deck around the pool area. Additionally, certain types of damage, such as freezing, thawing, pressure, or weight of water, ice, snow, or sleet, are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. In the event of a power outage that causes pool equipment to freeze and crack, as in one example provided by a State Farm customer, coverage may depend on the specific policy language and whether the damage is considered part of the 'plumbing system'.
To ensure you have adequate coverage for your pool, it's essential to review your homeowner's policy carefully and understand the specific coverage types and limits. Contacting a State Farm agent can help clarify the different types of coverage and limits available for home insurance in your area.
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Homeowners insurance may cover pool damage under liability
Owning a swimming pool can be enjoyable, but it also comes with certain risks and financial responsibilities. Pool owners should be aware of the potential dangers and expenses associated with their pools, as well as the coverage provided by their homeowners insurance. While some types of damage to a pool may be covered by homeowners insurance, it is important to understand the specific terms and limitations of your policy.
The Insurance Information Institute recommends that pool owners increase their liability protection to levels between $300,000 and $500,000. This can often be achieved by purchasing an umbrella policy, which increases the liability coverage limits of your existing homeowners insurance. By raising these limits, you can ensure that you are adequately protected against potential liability claims arising from pool-related accidents or injuries. Additionally, it is worth noting that certain safety measures, such as installing a high fence with a self-closing gate, enforcing safe pool rules, and providing non-slip surfaces, can help prevent accidents and reduce your liability exposure.
While liability coverage focuses on injuries and accidents, it is important to understand how your homeowners insurance policy addresses damage to the physical structure of your pool. This type of coverage is known as "other structures coverage" and protects against the same perils that may affect unattached sheds or detached garages. However, it is important to review your specific policy, as some homeowners insurance policies may not cover certain types of damage, such as freezing, thawing, pressure, or weight-related issues. In some cases, your pool equipment may be considered part of your plumbing system, and damage to it may be covered if your policy includes protection against freezing for plumbing systems.
To summarize, homeowners insurance may cover pool-related liabilities and, to a certain extent, damage to the pool structure itself. However, it is crucial to carefully review your policy, understand its limitations, and consider increasing your liability protection if you own a swimming pool. By doing so, you can ensure that you are adequately protected against potential risks and expenses associated with pool ownership.
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Homeowners insurance may not cover damage due to lack of maintenance
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect you from unforeseen or accidental damage, not typical household maintenance. For example, if you have a roof that has been deteriorating over the years and it starts to leak, the roof repair would most likely not be covered. This is why regular home repairs and maintenance are important. Whether it's painting, caulking, or cleaning gutters, maintaining a home can be a lot of work. You can do some projects yourself, but others might require a professional. It is important to do your research to make an informed decision.
State Farm recommends reviewing liability coverage options with your insurance agent or carrier if you have a swimming pool or are thinking about getting one. Most home insurance policies include some liability protection, but you may want more if you have a swimming pool. The Insurance Information Institute recommends increasing your liability protection or purchasing an umbrella liability policy. You can also take additional safety measures to help prevent accidents and reduce potential liability exposure, such as adding a high fence with a self-closing, locked gate to prevent guests from entering without your knowledge.
Additionally, it is important to understand your homeowner's policy to see if you have the right amount and type of coverage. For example, fences are generally considered other structures, and depending on the type of policy and the material of the fence, it may be paid at the actual cash value (depreciated value) instead of the replacement cost. It is also a good idea to notify your agent or carrier of any freestanding structures, such as a pool, and keep the rebuilding cost in mind when purchasing your home insurance policy.
While policies vary, a typical homeowner's policy can provide insurance protection for the physical dwelling structure and other structures, such as a detached garage, pool house, or guest house. It is important to note that some homeowners policies won't cover an empty pool, and your city or insurance company may have further eligibility requirements. For example, some may require a deck around your pool area.
In summary, homeowners insurance typically does not cover damages due to a lack of maintenance, and it is important to regularly maintain and repair your home to prevent issues. If you have a swimming pool, review your liability coverage options and understand your policy to ensure you have adequate protection.
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Frequently asked questions
State Farm may or may not cover pool damage depending on the type of damage and the cause. It is recommended that you review your policy or contact a State Farm agent to understand your specific coverage.
Homeowners insurance typically covers the physical structure of the pool and liability in case of injury claims.
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage due to lack of maintenance, wear and tear, or freezing.
Having a pool will likely increase your homeowners insurance premiums as it is considered an "attractive nuisance", meaning it is enjoyable but potentially dangerous and could lead to expensive claims.
You can increase your liability protection levels or purchase an umbrella policy, which increases the liability coverage limits of your underlying homeowners insurance.
