Will a trampoline affect your homeowners insurance? | Huff Insurance Blog

November 6, 2017 | written by nancy nicklow, cpcu. oh

Will my homeowners insurance increase if I have a trampoline?

Are you thinking of buying a trampoline for your garden?

Reading: How much does a trampoline add to homeowners insurance

Before you buy that trampoline, here are some things to do and consider regarding how it will affect your homeowners insurance policy.

Statistics show that having a trampoline increases the chance someone will be injured on your property. therefore, you increase your chances of having a liability claim or medical payments from your homeowners insurance company.

but, because you have a trampoline, does that mean your homeowners insurance will cost more? Well, that depends. Different insurance companies view trampolines differently. Before you buy a trampoline, talk to your insurance professional to determine how your insurance company will respond to this increased risk.

Each insurance company may view trampolines differently, for example:

No Restrictions: An insurance company may not care and there may be no restrictions or differences in cost whether or not you have a trampoline.
Compensation: An insurance company may require that you compensate in order to be eligible for coverage.
surcharge: A company may charge a policy surcharge for having a trampoline, a charge of $25-50 a year depending on the insurance company.
Not Eligible for Coverage: A company may not let you have a trampoline, whether or not you have a net. They will generally cancel or not renew the homeowners insurance policy as soon as they learn the trampoline is on the property.
exclusion: A company may have a trampoline liability exclusion in the policy. meaning that if there is a claim related to a trampoline, there is no liability coverage.

These are great reasons why it’s important to read your homeowners insurance policy carefully and not assume all policies are the same.

Insurance companies consider a trampoline to be an attractive nuisance, similar to having a swimming pool or playground. These types of articles are very attractive so that the children of the neighborhood want to come to visit your house. The more children or people on your property, the greater the chance that someone will be injured on the property. this increased risk is what could result in higher home insurance premiums.

When it comes to trampolines, broken bones are the most common injury. but head injuries and concussions are not uncommon. Trampolines are typically used by children, so if they have a life-altering injury, the insurance company will have to provide benefits longer.

If you have a trampoline, it is important that you discuss the safety of its use with your family. The following safety precautions will help reduce the chance of someone getting hurt on your trampoline

Having a net on the trampoline will reduce the risk of someone bouncing off the ground.
limit the number of people on the trampoline at one time. The most serious injuries typically occur when multiple people are on the device and one falls on top of the other or hits their heads while jumping up and down.
Have adult supervision while using the trampoline.
Having a fence around your yard with a locked gate will help prevent neighborhood kids from using the trampoline when you’re not home.

If you’re considering a trampoline, you should review your homeowners insurance policy with your insurance agent. this is to make sure you don’t have an exclusion and the insurance company continues to provide coverage and there is no increase in premium.

Also, you want to review the current liability coverage limit. You’ll want to talk to your agent about adding a personal general insurance policy. this is to increase your liability insurance coverage in the event there is an injury to your property.

Using a trampoline is fun and great exercise. but you must understand that it increases the risk of a liability claim. therefore, you must ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage. Call us at 410-647-1111 to make sure you have the right coverage.

Blog by Nancy Nicklow of Huff Insurance Nancy Nicklow is the owner and President of Huff Insurance, a full service Independent Insurance Agent. We have been dedicated to Protecting Lifestyles™ since 1960. We offer a full array of Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance and Life Insurance products. Call us at 410-647-1111