Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Trampoline Damage?

Homeowners insurance policies offer financial protection for your dwelling and personal possessions, while also providing liability coverage. A common question among homeowners is whether this coverage extends to incidents involving trampolines. Coverage for trampolines is not always straightforward and varies significantly between insurance providers and individual policies. Understanding these differences is important before acquiring one.

Coverage for Property Damage

Homeowners insurance policies distinguish between damage to the trampoline itself and damage the trampoline causes to other property. As personal property, the trampoline may be covered under “Coverage C – Personal Property” of your policy. If the trampoline is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril like fire, theft, or windstorm, your policy might help pay for its repair or replacement, subject to your deductible and policy limits. For coverage to apply, the trampoline must be properly secured and maintained.

When a trampoline causes damage to other property, different policy sections may apply. If high winds move an unsecured trampoline into your home, dwelling coverage (“Coverage A”) might address the damage. Should the trampoline damage other structures on your property, like a fence or shed, “Coverage B – Other Structures” could provide coverage. If the trampoline is blown into a neighbor’s property and causes damage, your personal liability coverage (“Coverage E”) may apply if you are found responsible.

Liability Coverage

Personal liability coverage, found under “Coverage E” of a homeowners policy, is relevant for trampoline ownership. This section provides financial protection if you are found legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others. Given the risks associated with trampoline use, injuries to guests or other non-residents are a significant concern.

If someone is injured on your trampoline and you are found liable, this coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and legal defense costs, up to your policy’s limits. This liability coverage applies only to individuals outside your household; household members rely on their health insurance for injuries. Insurers view trampolines as an “attractive nuisance,” implying they pose a higher risk of injury, which directly impacts how liability coverage is assessed. The potential for high medical costs and legal fees makes understanding this aspect of your policy important for trampoline owners.

Policy Implications of Trampoline Ownership

The presence of a trampoline on your property can significantly influence your homeowners insurance policy, even without a claim. Insurance companies classify trampolines as high-risk items due to the potential for injuries. This perception can lead to various policy adjustments, including increased premiums to reflect the heightened liability risk.

An insurer might require specific safety measures, such as safety nets, padding, or secure anchoring, as a condition for providing or maintaining coverage. Failure to comply could result in a denied claim or policy voidance. Some insurers may require a special endorsement to explicitly cover trampoline-related incidents, while others might refuse to issue a new policy or renew an existing one if a trampoline is present. Proactively inform your insurance provider about a trampoline to understand how it affects your coverage and avoid potential issues.

Common Exclusions

Despite general coverage possibilities, homeowners insurance policies contain specific exclusions that limit or eliminate coverage for trampoline-related incidents. Many insurance companies consider trampolines such a high risk that they explicitly exclude coverage for any injuries or damages related to their use. This means that even if your policy provides liability or property damage coverage, a specific exclusion for trampolines would negate coverage for trampoline-related events.

Exclusions might also apply if the trampoline is used for commercial purposes, such as in a rental property or a business setting, as standard homeowners policies are designed for personal use. Policies may also exclude incidents if specific safety guidelines, mandated by the insurer, were not followed. Homeowners should review their policy documents for any explicit language regarding recreational structures to understand what is not covered.