Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Your Trampoline?

Article overview

• Why trampolines affect insurance: Learn why insurers often classify trampolines as a higher liability risk.
• How coverage may vary: Understand how insurers may cover, restrict or exclude trampolines.
• What claims may involve: See which parts of a homeowners policy could apply after a trampoline-related incident.
• Why disclosure matters: Find out how failing to tell your insurer about a trampoline can affect coverage.
• How to reduce risk: Review practical safety steps that may help you keep coverage in good standing.

At some point in every kid’s life, they dream of having their own trampoline. As a loving parent, you may instinctively want to fulfill this dream. Before you rush out and add a little bounce to the backyard, be sure to check your homeowners insurance policy.

Though a source of excitement and fun, trampolines are cited as a leading source of backyard injuries, especially among kids. For this reason, insurance coverage is not guaranteed. This article will help you understand risk classifications, available coverage, safety tips and important disclosures.

Why insurers see trampolines as a liability risk

Trampolines are deemed an insurance liability because they are considered an “Attractive Nuisance,” and they are known to cause injuries.

What is an attractive nuisance?

An “attractive nuisance” is a legal and insurance term that describes property features that might attract children despite the risk of injury. Pools, swing sets and treehouses fall into this category.

From an insurance perspective, these objects increase a property owner’s liability. A child doesn’t need permission to be on the property for the owner to be at risk, either. If a child trespasses onto a property to engage with an “attractive nuisance,” the property owner could still be held responsible in the event of injury.

Trampoline injury statistics

According to policygenius.com, over 100,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for trampoline-related injuries.

Most trampoline-related injuries are caused by the following:

• Person-to-person collision
• Improper or daredevil landings
• Falling from or jumping off the trampoline
• Falling onto the springs or frame

Trampolines and insurance coverage

Unfortunately, trampoline coverage varies by carrier. There is a wide range of possibilities that you may encounter when inquiring about coverage for your new trampoline.

How trampoline coverage can vary by insurer

Coverage may be included under a standard policy at no extra cost, but some insurers require strict safety measures or charge a higher premium. Others may not cover trampolines at all.

Insurance coverage depends on the insurer’s risk tolerance and may be affected by state regulations.

Before you spring into action, it’s important to check your policy so you have a clear understanding of what you need to do to add trampoline coverage, if it can be added at all.

After consulting with your insurance provider, be sure to get any decisions in writing so that you have a reference should the need arise.

Note: If your request for coverage is denied, don’t take it personally. A denial likely reflects the carrier’s history with trampoline claims.

Trampolines and insurance claims

A trampoline-related incident might affect more than one aspect of your homeowners insurance. Here are different coverage types that a claim could be impacted by and what each could be used for:

• Personal liability – Personal liability insurance may provide coverage if a guest gets injured on your trampoline while visiting you. Liability insurance is standard in most policies, but the standard coverage limits may not be enough. If you purchase a trampoline, it might be wise to increase coverage limits.

• Personal property coverage – This is for the trampoline itself. This add-on could cover the trampoline in the event of theft or extreme weather. Be sure to confirm that your trampoline can be covered under this.

Why you must disclose your trampoline to your insurer

If you purchase a trampoline, don’t keep it a secret. Sure, you may avoid a premium increase, but the negative impact a non-disclosure could have on the claims process, should the need arise, may end up costing significantly more.

By not disclosing, you could experience the following during the claims process:

• Denial of coverage
• Policy cancellation
• Non-renewal
• Claims complications

Trampoline safety tips

If you still have your heart set on getting a trampoline after reading this guide, there are steps you can take that may help you get and keep coverage.

• Place in a safe area – Avoid setting up the trampoline near concrete, trees, fences or other hard or dangerous objects.
• Install a net – A net around the entire trampoline may help mitigate fall risks.
• Establish clear house rules – Make sure anyone using the trampoline understands who can use it, how it can be used and under what conditions it can be used. If a neighbor is visiting, be sure to get parental permission.
• Add a lock – Keep the trampoline locked and secured when not in use.

By taking steps to mitigate the risks involved in trampoline ownership, you could set yourself up for success when seeking coverage. Lastly, don’t wait until after you buy to start the insurance conversation.