Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Trampolines?

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Trampolines?

Home insurance may cover your trampoline, but it depends on the language in your policy:

No Trampoline Exclusions

In this case, your policy doesn't place any limits on your trampoline ownership or usage, so it will cover related claims up to your policy limits. Liability coverage may pay for legal and medical costs if someone outside your household is injured, while personal property coverage may pay to repair or replace damaged equipment. Dwelling coverage kicks in if the trampoline itself damages your home or property, such as if it blows into your garage during a storm and damages the siding.

Coverage Under Certain Circumstances

Your insurance company will only cover trampoline-related incidents if you have implemented safety precautions. For instance, you might need to add a fence around your yard, use safety netting and position the equipment away from dangerous objects.

No Coverage

If your insurer specifically excludes coverage for trampolines because of the increased risk involved, your policy won't cover any liability, personal property or dwelling coverage claims related to trampoline usage. The insurer may even refuse to renew your policy as long as you have the trampoline.

Learn more: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Do You Have to Tell Homeowners Insurance About a Trampoline?

Yes, you'll need to let your home insurance company know if you have a trampoline or plan to add one. Trampolines are typically considered "attractive nuisances," which are dangerous objects that attract children to your property. Homeowners are required to take reasonable safety precautions to limit access to these features. Because attractive nuisances increase the insurer's risk, they want to know when you have one.

Tip: Your insurance company may deny coverage or cancel your policy if it finds out you have a trampoline and didn't inform them.

Does a Trampoline Increase Homeowners Insurance?

Owning a trampoline will likely cause your home insurance rates to increase because insurance companies price policies based on risk factors. Generally, higher risks result in higher premiums because it means the insurer is more likely to pay out claims.

Trampolines increase risks for your insurer because they can cause injuries and other liability issues. The company makes up for the risk by increasing your premiums or dropping coverage altogether. The amount you wind up paying depends on your overall profile and how the insurance company calculates risk.

Learn more: Do I Need High-Risk Homeowners Insurance?

What Happens if You're Liable for a Trampoline Accident?

When you have a trampoline, you run the risk of someone getting hurt on your property. If that person isn't a member of your household, you could be held liable for their medical bills.

Your home insurance may pay for these costs and any related legal bills, up to your policy limits, if it has not excluded trampoline coverage. You'll need to file a home insurance claim to get these benefits.

Some policies only cover trampoline injuries if you've followed the insurance company's safety protocol. For example, your insurer may want you to install a fence around the trampoline to limit access.

How to Avoid Trampoline Accidents

Here are some strategies to help prevent trampoline accidents and claims:

• Limit access to the trampoline. Keep the trampoline in a fenced area and remove its ladder when not in use. This helps ensure no one uses it without your permission.
• Add trampoline safety netting. This lowers the risk of someone falling off while they use the equipment.
• Set age limits. Require supervision for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Younger children shouldn't be allowed on outdoor trampolines at all.
• Allow one person at a time. Three-quarters of trampoline injuries happen because too many people are on it at once, according to the World Journal of Pediatrics.
• Choose the position carefully. Place the trampoline on flat ground with no concrete, rocks, holes or other dangerous objects nearby.
• Line the trampoline's perimeter. Use soft material, such as grass or wood chips, to cushion any falls.
• Require supervision. Adult eyes on trampoline use can limit risky behaviors such as flipping that could cause accidents.

The Bottom Line

Homeowners insurance may cover your trampoline, but it depends on the language in your policy. Your insurance company may require you to take safety precautions before offering coverage, and you may see your premium increase. In some cases, the company may decide not to offer coverage at all if it considers the trampoline too risky.

Need to buy a new home insurance policy? In some states, insurance companies can use credit-based insurance scores to set your premiums. If you live in one of these states, consider monitoring your credit and taking steps to improve your credit score before gathering quotes. Taking these steps can help keep your rates low after you buy a trampoline.