Trampolines and Homeowners Insurance Coverage: How a Trampoline Affects Your Home Insurance Policy

How will having a trampoline affect the cost of my homeowners insurance policy? In the US alone, the number of trampolines in use is approximately 3 million, which means that approximately 3% of all American households have a trampoline somewhere on their property. Unfortunately, many of those 3 million trampolines will be responsible for numerous injuries. When you consider that insurance companies spend an estimated $280 million a year to treat trampoline injuries, the consumer can begin to understand why insurance companies are becoming more reluctant to insure homes. with a trampoline.

Trampoline-related injuries tripled in the years 1991-1999, and in 1999 more than 100,000 incident hospital emergency room visits were for trampoline-related injuries. (Two-thirds of all injuries occurred in the 6-14 year age group.) Although 40% of all trampoline injuries are to the leg and foot area, some injuries, such as paralysis, have occurred and the resulting lifelong condition has caused the medical cost of treating these injuries and long-term care assistance far exceed the policy limits set by most homeowners insurance companies. Additionally, the number of trampoline-related deaths since 1999 is 11.

That is the negative side of trampoline use. There is also an advantage that is often overlooked. And while there have been numerous injuries as a result of trampoline use, there are also many homes that have had a trampoline for many years, used it almost daily, and never had a single injury. These homes have monitored trampoline activity, established basic guidelines for its use (number of people allowed to jump at one time, no back flips, no pushing, etc.), and have installed a safety net that prevents jumpers fall. The trampoline.

Trampoline manufacturers have also done a lot in recent years to improve the safety of their products. The smaller round units with padding covering the springs and the availability of an affordable netting system are intended to help the user avoid injury. (Of all the people I’ve talked to who have a trampoline, they all insist they wouldn’t have one if there wasn’t a safety net around it.) There are also many health benefits associated with trampolining. In the age of video games and television, a trampoline offers the opportunity to play in the sun, engage in muscle-building exercises, and encourage kids to do something together. And for some reason, its appeal doesn’t seem to wane, even after many years of use.

“EXCLUSIVE TRAMPOLINE”

Many homeowners insurance policies contain what is called a “Springboard Exclusion” clause. If you have a homeowners insurance policy with them, it will cover liability for injuries that occurred to others while on your property, but it will not cover trampoline-related injuries. If you installed your trampoline after purchasing a homeowners insurance policy, you may not know if you have coverage. Most insurance companies in their paperwork ask if you have a trampoline on your property.

With some insurers this is a problem and they may ask you to remove the trampoline or have your insurance policy cancelled. Also, in the event that a guest is injured while jumping on your trampoline, and you’re not sure if you have liability coverage in that area, you may find out the hard way that you’re responsible for some hefty medical bills. It would be better to find out now, not after the fact, and take the necessary steps to be financially responsible.

“SEXY NUISANCE”

Another problem with trampolines is that they are considered an “sexy nuisance.” As with a pool, they “beg” to be tested. People, regardless of whether permission has been given, are tempted to try them. You may even have signs warning against trespassing, but if someone ignores those warnings, jumps on your trampoline and gets hurt, you may be subject to a lawsuit. (I know, imagine). You may not be found liable in court, but the cost of going to court and attorney fees still means the insurance company has had to pay a lot of money and this is another blow against usage. of garden trampolines.

THE MAJOR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COMPANIES AND THEIR POLICIES REGARDING TRAMPOLINES

Although there may be some variation from state to state, Allstate, Farmers Insurance, Y SF-Insurance have the three basic approaches to trampoline coverage.

farmers insurance – OWNERS WITH TRAMPOLINES MAY BE DENIED COVERAGE

In Pennsylvania, trampoline owners cannot obtain coverage through Farmers Insurance. Other states have different parameters and a call to Farmers will tell you if they will cover you and what requirements can be attached to the policy.

Allstate- COVERAGE WITH CERTAIN SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE

Allstate offers coverage as long as certain safety precautions are followed. Their policy requires that the trampoline be enclosed by a safety net and also be located within a fenced enclosure that is at least 4 feet tall. The fence gate must also have a padlock and the padlock must be in use.

SF Insurance – NO EXCLUSIONS

Under a traditional homeowners policy, there are no exclusions for trampoline owners.

The above are just three major insurers, but there are many more along with smaller independent insurance companies to consider for homeowners insurance coverage. The important point is to make sure YOUR homeowners policy covers the cost of liability for trampoline-related injuries. If not, then it’s time to start shopping again.

Whether your homeowners insurance policy already covers trampolines or not, it’s always a good idea to shop around every 6 months and compare the rates of the major companies side by side. Make sure you’re not paying more than you should for homeowners insurance coverage.