Are Trampolines Covered By Homeowners Insurance? What You Need to Know.
If you’re like most parents, you probably have a trampoline in your backyard. They’re a great way to get some exercise and have some fun with your kids. But were you aware that trampolines can also cause serious accidents? And if something happens, your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover the damages. In this post, we’ll take a look at trampoline insurance policies and provide a comprehensive list of insurance companies that allow trampolines to cover you if something goes wrong.
What are the risks associated with trampolines?
Trampolines can cause a variety of injuries, including broken bones and concussions. There are reasons why trampolines fall under a category called “attractive nuisances“, meaning that kids will likely try to use them without fully understanding the risks. As accidents do happen, and you need to be aware of it, not only from falls where children might land on hard ground, which happens if you’re not using a trampoline enclosure, but also strange, unexpected landings on the mat while doing tricks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2019, there were over 110,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with trampolines. The majority of these injuries involved children under the age of 16. This high rate of injury is why many homeowners insurance companies are cautious or may not cover trampoline-related incidents at all!
How to reduce risks?
There are also a few things you can do to reduce the risk of injury while using your trampoline. First, make sure that everyone who uses the trampoline is properly trained and knows how to safely jump. Second, keep the trampoline in a well-lit area so you can see any potential hazards. Finally, make sure that there are no sharp objects or other obstacles nearby that might cause someone to fall, basically at least 3ft away from any hard objects, such as brick walls, fences, or even bushes. Installing safety nets or enclosures can also help prevent falls off the trampoline. If you follow these tips, you’ll help reduce the chances of having an accident while using your trampoline. However, accidents can still happen, so it’s important to ensure that your homeowner’s insurance policy provides adequate coverage.
We encourage you to read our article about trampoline safety! Without further ado, let’s jump to trampoline insurance!
Trampolines and Homeowners Insurance Policies:
Many major home insurance companies will not cover damages caused by trampoline use unless it’s part of a special endorsement added on after the policy is purchased. Even if your insurance company does cover trampolines, the amount of coverage may be very limited. This isn’t much when you consider the cost of a typical trampoline, which can range from $300 to $2,000 depending on the size and quality.
What should you do if you have a trampoline in your backyard?
As coverage options vary depending on the state and the insurance company, the best thing to do is contact your insurance agent and ask them about their specific policy and the options available to you. Reviewing your policy documents carefully will help you understand your coverage. Consulting with professionals, such as insurance agents or legal counsel, can help ensure that you are adequately protected and in compliance with any local regulations. If they don’t cover damages caused by trampolines, see if they offer an endorsement for an additional fee. If they do, it might be in one of three ways – No exclusions, Coverage with safety precautions, and Trampoline exclusion (meaning that the policy will not cover any trampoline-related claims).
- What is the difference between “No exclusions” coverage and “Coverage with safety precautions”?
No exclusion coverage means that your homeowner’s policy does not have any restrictions on trampoline ownership. Other policies may require specific safety precautions to be in place for coverage to be offered. For example, you may be required to add a fence or locked gate around the area where your trampoline will be kept. These safety requirements are similar to the protections in place for a backyard pool. They are designed to prevent accidental use and reduce the risk of injury.
Insurance Companies That Cover Trampolines:
If you’re looking for an insurance company that will cover damages caused by a trampoline, here are some options to consider. This list of insurance companies that allow trampolines includes providers that offer various coverage options. Trampoline coverage may be included under the homeowners’ personal liability section. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, trampoline injuries can be severe, including fractures, sprains, and head injuries. To reduce the number of trampoline injuries, safety experts recommend that safety pads and nets be used at all times, and that trampolines are used under adult supervision.
- State Farm
State Farm may offer coverage for trampolines as part of their standard homeowners policy, but this can vary by state and individual policy. It’s important to contact your State Farm agent to understand their specific guidelines and any safety requirements they may have.
- Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance may provide coverage for trampolines, but they often require safety measures to be in place, such as enclosures or nets. Coverage can vary by state and individual policy, so it’s essential to discuss with a Farmers agent to understand the options and any additional premiums.
- GEICO
GEICO’s policies regarding trampolines can vary. Some policies may include trampoline coverage if certain safety precautions are met, such as installing safety nets or enclosures. It’s recommended to contact GEICO directly to learn about their specific requirements and coverage options.
- Liberty Mutual
Founded in 1912, Liberty Mutual is one of the least expensive insurance providers, with multiple discounts available, including 10% off for purchasing online in most states (California excluded). Liberty Mutual’s coverage for trampolines may vary based on location and individual policies. They may have specific safety requirements, such as fencing or nets. It’s important to check with them directly or visit their website to understand their specific guidelines.
- Nationwide
Nationwide may include trampoline coverage in their homeowners policies, but often require that trampolines are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and that safety measures are in place. This can include installing safety nets, enclosures, and fencing to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of injury. It’s important to consult with Nationwide to understand their specific requirements.
- American Family
American Family Insurance may offer trampoline coverage, but they often require safety precautions, such as installing safety nets or fencing. Additional premiums or endorsements may apply. It’s best to contact an American Family agent to discuss your specific situation.
As you can see, there are a variety of options when it comes to homeowners insurance and trampolines. Each company has its own rules and regulations, so be sure to read the fine print before making any decisions. Remember, just because your insurance company does allow trampolines on your policy, it doesn’t mean that every claim involving a trampoline will be covered. Be sure to read your policy carefully and understand what is and isn’t covered. Consulting with your insurance agent can help you make an informed decision.
Landlords and Tenants: Can a Tenant Own a Trampoline?
Ultimately, that will depend on a number of factors, such as local ordinances, requirements and regulations imposed by insurance companies, and state laws. Regulations regarding trampolines on rental properties can vary significantly, so it’s important to address this before getting a trampoline.
If a tenant places a trampoline and that is in clear violation of one of the above policies, there are a number of things you can do, but the most important thing is to add a clause to rental agreements that strictly prohibits adding a trampoline. Landlords and tenants should consult local laws and possibly legal counsel to ensure compliance and understand their rights and responsibilities.
- How much will I pay to insure a trampoline?
Well, that of course depends on the insurance company, but the premium will typically go up, on average, between $100 to $200 to increase the liability coverage that may be needed. Some insurance companies recommend additional liability coverage between $50,000 to $100,000 on top of the standard $300,000 for homes without trampolines. Based on this, it’s easy to understand and calculate the actual premium increase. If you’re wondering, how much does trampoline insurance cost, these figures provide a general estimate, but contacting your insurance provider will give you the most accurate information.
Regarding actual homeowners insurance policies, there are a few of them to choose from:
- Homeowners insurance covers your trampoline with no exclusions
- Homeowners insurance covers it but requires safeguards for your trampoline
- Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover your trampoline
See details on each of these possible scenarios below.
When homeowners insurance covers trampolines
Some carriers provide a “no exclusion” policy, allowing for trampoline ownership without specific restrictions. However, it’s still important to use the trampoline safely to avoid accidents.
When homeowners insurance covers trampolines but requires safeguards
Some insurance companies will insure you provided that you take certain safeguards when you install the trampoline. For example, a carrier may require that the trampoline be surrounded by a safety net or enclosed within a fenced-in property.
When homeowners insurance doesn’t cover trampolines
A homeowners insurance policy may flat-out exclude trampolines. In this case, the insurer will deny any trampoline-related claim and will not pay for any damage or liability claims associated with the trampoline. Additionally, some carriers may refuse to renew your policy if you own a trampoline, even without ever having filed a claim. These carriers refuse to run the risk of any potential trampoline claim.
If a trampoline or play structure is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, then this would fall under “Other Structures” (Coverage B). “Other structures” are structures on your property that are detached from your dwelling. There are three types of coverage associated with other structures.
1. Medical Liability: Coverage F covers the medical expenses of any person who does not live on your property and is accidentally injured on your property. For example, if a neighbor’s child is bouncing on the trampoline, falls off, and sustains an injury resulting in medical attention and medical bills, a portion of these medical expenses are covered by this section of your policy. Check your policy to determine the pre-set limit of coverage. Contact your agent or insurance company to determine the appropriate amount of coverage.
2. Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP): Another avenue for coverage is through a personal umbrella policy. When purchasing a trampoline, it is a smart idea to determine if the amount of your liability coverage is adequate. If not, you may choose to increase it or add a PUP. This additional policy will increase your liability coverage to exceed the limits of your current homeowner’s liability coverage. If there is a claim, once the liability coverage on your homeowner’s policy reaches maximum payout, the PUP will then begin to pay the remainder of the claim up to a pre-set limit. Contact your agent or insurance company to determine the appropriate amount of coverage you need. A personal umbrella policy typically costs from $150 to $300 per year and provides liability coverage, with high limits that often start at $1 million.
3. Other Structures: If your trampoline is damaged and it is caused by a covered peril as stated in your homeowner’s insurance policy, a portion of the damage may be covered. This damage is subject to the deductible and is limited to the amount set forth in your policy. For example, if a windstorm causes $3,000 worth of damage to the trampoline as determined by an adjuster, and there is a $1,000 deductible on the homeowner’s policy, then the homeowner will be responsible to pay for the first $1,000. The insurer will be responsible for the remaining $2,000.
What if your child was injured on a trampoline?
There are two distinct cases: either the child was injured on your property or an accident happened on someone else’s property.
If your child was injured in a trampoline accident on another person’s property, you may be wondering what your options are. You may be able to file a personal injury claim against the property owner. However, you will need to show that the owner was negligent in some way. If you are successful, you may be able to recover damages for your child’s injuries. Establishing proof through witness statements or other evidence, such as surveillance footage, can be crucial. If the homeowner didn’t have a safety net around their trampoline, if their trampoline was broken or dangerous, or if their yard wasn’t fenced in, you may have a case.
In some cases, your child’s trampoline accident could have been caused by faulty manufacturing or improper design. When this occurs, a liability lawyer may be able to file a claim against the negligent manufacturer. This is known as a product liability claim, and these are some of the most complex types of cases.
Product liability claims can be divided into three main categories:
- Manufacturing defect – Your child’s trampoline accident could have been caused by a number of things. The first and most obvious is faulty manufacturing. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Another possibility is that your child was not using the correct safety equipment. Make sure to check the safety gear before allowing your child to play on the trampoline.
- Design defect – One of the biggest dangers of trampolines is design defects. If any part of the trampoline is not designed well, it can create a safety hazard. This is why it is so important to make sure you purchase a trampoline from a reputable manufacturer.
- Failure to warn – The failure to warn is a principle of “Product liability laws”. This principle states that manufacturers have a duty to warn consumers about potential risks associated with their products. Failure to warn can result in liability for injuries or damages caused by the product.
Product liability cases can be difficult to win without an attorney. With the right legal counsel, however, you can increase your chances of success. Make sure to choose a lawyer with experience in this type of case, and don’t hesitate to ask for references.