Do You Have to Tell Homeowners Insurance About a Trampoline?
Navigate homeowners insurance complexities when adding backyard features. Understand your obligations and policy implications for coverage.
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection for your property and against liability claims arising from accidents that occur on your premises. Policyholders agree to disclose any significant changes to their property that could alter the risk profile evaluated by the insurer. Transparency with your insurance provider helps ensure your coverage remains valid and responsive to potential claims.
The Requirement to Disclose
Homeowners have a responsibility to inform their insurance company when they add a trampoline to their property. This is because trampolines are regarded by insurers as “attractive nuisances,” meaning they are features that might draw individuals, particularly children, onto the property and potentially lead to injuries. This classification increases the perceived liability risk associated with the home.
Failing to disclose a trampoline to your insurer can have serious financial consequences. It may be considered a material misrepresentation of the risk, which could lead to the denial of claims related to the trampoline, or even claims unrelated to it. In some instances, the insurer might choose to cancel your policy or decline to renew it.
Insurance Company Responses and Policy Impact
Once informed about a trampoline, an insurance company’s response can vary depending on their underwriting guidelines and your policy terms. Some insurers might not alter your existing policy, but this is less common due to the increased risk.
A frequent outcome is an increase in your annual premium to account for the heightened liability exposure. Alternatively, the insurer may add a specific exclusion to your policy, meaning that any incidents or injuries arising from the trampoline’s use will not be covered.
An insurer might require a specific endorsement or rider for coverage, often for an additional cost and with specific conditions like requiring safety measures. In more restrictive scenarios, especially if the trampoline violates company policies or was not disclosed, the insurer might issue a non-renewal notice or cancel the policy.
Risk Mitigation and Safety
Homeowners can implement several proactive measures to reduce the risks associated with trampolines, which may influence insurance decisions and liability. Installing safety features such as a net enclosure around the trampoline and protective padding over the springs and frame is a common recommendation. Proper placement of the trampoline on level ground, away from structures, trees, or fences, also helps minimize potential hazards.
Establishing and enforcing clear rules, such as allowing only one jumper at a time and prohibiting flips or dangerous stunts, can significantly reduce the chance of injury. Consistent adult supervision, especially when children are using the trampoline, is also a recommended safety practice. Securing the trampoline to the ground, particularly in areas prone to high winds, can prevent property damage.
Liability waivers for guests are generally not effective against claims of gross negligence. Beyond these physical and supervisory measures, increasing your personal liability coverage limits within your homeowners policy or purchasing a separate personal umbrella policy can provide an additional layer of financial protection against high-cost claims.