Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Trampolines?

A trampoline might seem like a fun addition to your backyard, but it comes with some risks. Tens of thousands of children get hurt on trampolines each year, according to a Pediatric Emergency Care study. Jumping on trampolines can be a fun and healthy activity, but does homeowners insurance cover injuries sustained on a trampoline or damages to your trampoline? While these devices can be beneficial, they do come with some risks. Home insurers differ in how they address backyard trampolines.

Can you file a claim to cover the medical costs if someone is injured on your trampoline? Or if the trampoline is damaged in a storm, will your policy pay for repair or a replacement? Whether or not your homeowners insurance policy covers trampolines depends entirely on your insurance provider and its claim experience with trampoline losses.

Does a Trampoline Affect Homeowners Insurance?

Adding a trampoline to your backyard can affect your homeowners insurance in several ways. Some insurers will cover your trampoline as part of a standard policy with no extra charges. Others will cover it only if certain safety rules are met, such as installing a high fence around the trampoline or putting soft material like mulch or sand around it. In some cases, your premium may increase, or the insurer may not offer you a policy at all. Many home insurance companies consider trampolines attractive nuisances, which means they are likely to attract a child who could potentially injure themselves there. As a result, to get financial protection from your home insurance policy, you may need to implement certain safety requirements.

Cost of Adding a Trampoline to Homeowners Insurance

The cost of adding a trampoline to your homeowners insurance varies by insurer and location. Some companies include trampoline coverage in their standard policies, while others may require an additional premium or endorsement. The exact cost depends on factors such as the insurer's policies, the perceived risk, and any safety measures you have in place.

How to Ensure Coverage for Trampolines

To make sure your trampoline is covered, homeowners should:

1. Install Safety Features: Put up netting around the trampoline to reduce the risk of falls, and position it away from concrete and fences.
2. Monitor Usage: Supervise who is using the trampoline and limit the number of users at one time.
3. Secure the Trampoline: Properly anchor the trampoline to prevent it from being moved by strong winds.

Avoiding Trampoline Claims

Homeowners can take steps to avoid trampoline-related claims by:

1. Implementing Safety Measures: Ensuring the trampoline is surrounded by netting and placed on soft ground.
2. Limiting Usage: Monitoring who uses the trampoline and preventing overcrowding.
3. Regular Inspections: Frequently checking the trampoline for wear and tear and ensuring it is securely anchored.

Storms and Covered Perils

If your trampoline is destroyed by a covered peril such as a hurricane, tornado, lightning strike, hail storm, or fire, your personal property coverage will likely pay to replace it. Keep in mind that your home insurance deductible will apply, so the trampoline's cost must exceed the deductible, or there must be other damages from the same storm.

If strong winds pick up your trampoline and cause damage to a neighbor's property, your home insurance may cover the damages. If you failed to anchor the trampoline properly, your liability insurance might cover the damages (up to your policy limits). However, if the trampoline was securely anchored and strong winds still carried it away, the incident might be considered an “Act of God,” and your neighbor’s home insurance would cover their damages.

Trampolines can be a fun addition to your backyard but come with significant risks. Homeowners should check with their insurance provider to understand the coverage and any requirements or exclusions. By implementing safety measures and understanding your policy, you can enjoy your trampoline while minimizing risks and potential insurance issues.

Is Trampoline Insurance Included in My Homeowners Insurance? Does homeowners insurance cover trampolines?