How will having a trampoline affect the cost of my homeowners insurance policy? In the US alone, the number of trampolines in use is about 3 million, which means that about 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 approximately $ 280 million a year to treat trampoline injuries, the consumer can begin to understand why insurance companies are becoming increasingly reluctant. to secure the houses with a trampoline.

Trampoline-related injuries tripled in the years 1991 to 1999, and in 1999 more than 100,000 incidents of hospital emergency room visits were for trampoline-related injuries. (Two-thirds of all injuries occurred in the 6-14-year-old age group.) Although 40% of all trampoline injuries occur 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 to exceed policy limits set by most homeowners insurance companies. Additionally, the number of trampoline-related deaths since 1999 is 11.

That’s the downside of using the trampoline. 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 households that have owned a trampoline for many years, have used it almost daily, and have never had a single injury. These houses have supervised the activity of the trampoline, have established some basic guidelines for its use (the number of people allowed to jump at a time, no cartwheels, no pushing, etc.) and have installed a safety net that prevented the jumpers will fall. The trampoline.

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

“TRAMPOLINE EXCLUSION”

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

For some insurers, this is a problem and you may be asked to remove the trampoline or cancel your insurance policy. Also, in the event that a guest is injured jumping on your trampoline and you are unsure whether you have liability coverage in that area, you may find out the hard way that you are responsible for some hefty medical bills. It would be best to find out now, rather than after the fact, and take the necessary steps to be held financially responsible.

“ANNOYING ATTRACTIVE”

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

MAIN HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COMPANIES AND THEIR POLICIES REGARDING TRAMPOLINES

Although there may be certain variations from state to state, Allstate, Farmers Insurance, Y SF insurance They have the three basic approaches to trampoline coverage.

Farmer insurance – OWNERS WITH TRAMPOLINES MAY BE DENIED COVERAGE

In Pennsylvania, trampoline owners cannot get coverage through Farmers Insurance. Other states have different parameters and a call to Farmers will let you know if they will cover you and what requirements may be tied to the policy.

Allstate – COVERAGE WITH CERTAIN SITE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Allstate offers coverage as long as certain safety precautions are followed. Its policy requires that the trampoline be enclosed by a safety net and that it also be located within a fenced enclosure that is at least 4 feet high. 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 that should be considered 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, it’s time to start shopping again.

Whether your homeowners insurance policy already covers stepping stones 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 don’t pay more than you should for home insurance coverage.