Orlando Harmon
Trampolines are a fun addition to any home, but they can also be dangerous. Because of the high risk of injury, insurance companies often exclude trampolines from coverage, and those that don't tend to require safety measures like safety nets and padding. If your insurer does cover trampolines, you can expect your premium to increase. If you don't notify your insurance company about your trampoline, they could cancel or non-renew your policy, or deny any trampoline-related claims.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trampoline insurance coverage | Trampoline insurance is not available as a standalone option for personal use. It is covered under homeowners insurance. |
| Homeowner's insurance coverage | Most insurance companies do not cover trampolines due to the high liability risk. Some companies may cover it if safety equipment and precautions are in place. |
| Safety precautions | Safety nets, padding, fencing, limiting the number of users, and installing soft flooring around the trampoline are some safety measures that may be required. |
| Policy exclusions | Some companies may exclude coverage for injuries related to trampoline accidents or deny claims if safety requirements are not met. |
| Increased premiums | Insurance companies may increase premiums due to the higher risk associated with trampolines. |
| Policy cancellation | Failure to disclose the presence of a trampoline may result in policy cancellation or non-renewal. |
| Additional coverage | Umbrella policies can provide additional liability coverage for trampoline-related incidents. |
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What You'll Learn
Trampolines are considered an attractive nuisance
Trampolines are a source of fun for children and adults alike. However, they also pose a significant risk of injury, especially to children. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Americans experienced over 300,000 trampoline-related injuries in 2018, with at least 90% of these injuries occurring to children. This high risk of injury is why trampolines are considered an attractive nuisance by insurance companies.
An attractive nuisance is an object, structure, or condition on a homeowner's property that is inviting or attractive to children and potentially dangerous. As a result, the homeowner is held liable for any injuries a child sustains from the attractive nuisance. Trampolines fall under this category because they are enticing to children and can lead to various injuries, from broken bones to more severe and permanent damage.
Insurance companies often exclude trampolines from coverage due to the increased risk of liability claims. Those that do offer coverage typically require a range of safety measures to be implemented, such as safety nets, padding, and fencing around the trampoline. These measures aim to reduce the risk of injuries and deter uninvited visitors. Failure to comply with these requirements can void the coverage.
The presence of a trampoline on a property can also result in increased insurance premiums. Insurance companies view trampolines as high-risk items, and the potential for injuries and subsequent claims can lead to higher costs for the insurer. As a result, homeowners may need to pay higher premiums to maintain coverage.
In some cases, insurance companies may deny coverage altogether, regardless of safety measures taken. This decision is based on the insurer's assessment of the risk associated with trampolines and their claim experience with trampoline-related losses. Homeowners may need to explore alternative options, such as a personal umbrella policy, to ensure they have adequate coverage in case of trampoline-related incidents.
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Safety measures and precautions
Trampolines are considered a high-risk item by insurance companies due to the potential for injuries, which can lead to liability claims. As a result, insurance companies may require you to implement certain safety measures and precautions to qualify for coverage. Here are some essential safety measures and precautions to consider:
- Install safety nets and padding around the trampoline to prevent falls and injuries. Some insurance companies may require a safety net to be in place to provide coverage.
- Put something softer than concrete, such as mulch or sand, around the trampoline to cushion any potential falls.
- Limit the number of people using the trampoline at the same time to reduce the risk of collisions and accidents.
- Ensure proper supervision when the trampoline is in use, especially if children are playing on it.
- Regularly inspect the trampoline for any wear and tear, and replace any damaged parts promptly. Keep the trampoline well-maintained to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Consider adding a locking gate around the yard to restrict access to the trampoline and prevent unauthorized use.
- Review your homeowner's insurance policy carefully to understand the specific coverage and exclusions related to trampolines. Different insurance companies may have varying safety requirements.
- Increase your liability coverage limits or consider purchasing an umbrella policy to provide additional protection in case of trampoline-related injuries.
- Disclose the presence of a trampoline to your insurance company. Failure to do so may result in claim denials or policy cancellation if a trampoline-related incident occurs.
- Follow the recommended safety guidelines provided by the trampoline manufacturer to ensure safe use and reduce the risk of injuries.
By implementing these safety measures and precautions, you can help reduce the risk of injuries associated with trampoline use and improve your chances of qualifying for insurance coverage.
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Liability coverage
The liability coverage offered by homeowners insurance in relation to trampolines can vary significantly depending on the insurance company. Some companies may cover trampoline-related injuries, while others may exclude such coverage altogether. Therefore, it is important to carefully review your insurance policy and consult with your insurance provider to understand the specific liability coverage provided for trampoline-related incidents.
In general, liability coverage under homeowners insurance can help protect you financially if someone is injured while using your trampoline. If a guest sustains an injury, your liability coverage may pay for their medical bills, legal expenses, and any potential settlements resulting from a lawsuit. This coverage typically extends to situations where the trampoline causes damage to neighbouring properties, such as high winds blowing the trampoline into a neighbour's house or other structures like fences or gazebos.
However, it is important to note that insurance companies often view trampolines as high-risk items, and as a result, your premiums may increase. The presence of a trampoline on your property indicates an increased risk of injury and subsequent liability claims. To mitigate this risk, some insurance companies may require certain safety precautions to be in place, such as safety netting or limiting the number of simultaneous users, and they may deny coverage if these requirements are not met.
To ensure adequate protection, consider increasing your liability coverage limits or purchasing a personal umbrella policy (PUP). A PUP can provide additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your standard homeowners insurance policy, protecting you against potentially large liability claims. This is especially important considering the high costs associated with trampoline-related injuries and the potential for permanent neurological damage in one out of every 200 cases.
Additionally, it is crucial to inform your insurance provider if you own a trampoline or plan to purchase one. Failure to disclose this information may result in denied coverage, even for claims unrelated to the trampoline. By being transparent with your insurance company, you can ensure that you have the necessary coverage in place and understand any specific requirements or exclusions that may apply.
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Policy exclusions
Trampolines are considered a high-risk item by insurance companies due to the potential for injuries. As a result, some insurance companies may exclude coverage for injuries related to trampoline accidents. If your insurance company covers trampoline accidents, you can expect your insurance premium to increase.
Some insurance companies do not cover trampolines because they are deemed too costly due to liability risks. If your insurance company does not cover trampoline-related injuries, you may be responsible for those injuries or damages that aren't covered by your policy. In this case, you may need to purchase additional liability coverage or an umbrella policy for added protection.
Many insurance companies require specific safety measures for trampolines, such as safety nets and padding. Failure to comply with these requirements could void your coverage. If your insurer does cover trampolines, they may require a range of added safety features to qualify for coverage. These safety measures are put in place to reduce the risk of injuries.
If you purchase or obtain a trampoline, your insurer may not offer coverage for trampoline-related injuries and damages, and they may cancel or non-renew your policy. If you fail to notify your insurer that you have a trampoline, they could cancel or non-renew your policy. They may also deny any trampoline-related claims.
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Additional coverage
Trampolines are considered high-risk items by insurance companies due to the potential for injuries. As a result, some insurance companies may refuse to offer coverage for them. If your insurance company does cover trampolines, you can expect your insurance premium to increase. This is because the risk of liability claims increases significantly.
If your insurance company does cover trampolines, it may do so in one of three ways:
No exclusions
If your policy allows you to have a trampoline with no exclusions, your home insurance coverage will most likely cover you when you need it.
Coverage under specific circumstances
Many insurers will only offer trampoline insurance coverage when the homeowner takes specific precautions, like installing a high fence around the trampoline's perimeter or putting something softer than concrete (e.g. mulch or sand) around it. Many insurance companies consider trampolines attractive nuisances, which means they are likely to attract a child who could potentially injure themselves. As a result, to get financial protection from your home insurance policy, you may need to implement certain safety requirements.
No coverage
Because of the increased risk, many companies specifically exclude coverage for trampolines and include this information in your policy. Not only does that mean any incidents that occur on or because of your trampoline will not be covered, but it may also mean your insurance provider will refuse to renew your policy as long as you have the trampoline.
If your insurance company refuses to cover your trampoline, you may want to consider purchasing additional liability coverage or an umbrella policy for added protection. A personal umbrella policy will likely not cover any damage to the trampoline itself but may cover costs related to people becoming injured on or by the trampoline.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, having a trampoline can influence your homeowners insurance policy in several ways. Most insurance companies will increase your premium because the risk of liability claims increases significantly. Some insurance companies may also exclude coverage for injuries related to trampoline accidents.
Many insurance companies require specific safety measures for trampolines, such as safety nets, padding, and fencing around the trampoline. Failure to comply with these requirements could void your coverage.
If you fail to disclose that you have a trampoline on your property, your insurer could cancel or non-renew your policy. They may also deny any trampoline-related claims.
If your homeowners insurance policy doesn't cover trampolines, you may want to consider purchasing additional liability coverage or an umbrella policy. This will help provide added protection in case of any trampoline-related incidents.
