Trampolines can be fun, but they’re also dangerous, and some insurance companies exclude injuries associated with trampolines from coverage.
"Before you install a trampoline in your yard, it is essential that you check with your homeowners insurance company to make sure you will be covered," says Loretta Worters, vice president of media relations for the Insurance Information Institute.
If someone is hurt or killed using your trampoline, you could be found liable. This liability even extends to situations where people trespass on your property and use the trampoline without your permission.
Even if an insurer is willing to cover a trampoline, having one could impact how much you pay for homeowners insurance. Read on to find out if homeowners insurance covers trampolines.
Key takeaways
- Before you buy a trampoline, check your homeowners insurance policy for any trampoline exclusions.
- If your home insurance contains no trampoline exclusions, you will be covered up to your limits for trampoline injuries.
- You may be held liable even if someone trespasses on your property and is injured using your trampoline without permission.
Does homeowners insurance cover trampolines?
Coverage for trampolines is typically handled in one of three ways:
No exclusions: This means that a homeowners insurance policy doesn't place any restrictions on trampoline ownership or usage.
In this case, if someone is injured while bouncing on your trampoline and you are found legally responsible for their resulting medical bills, the liability coverage in your homeowners policy may help cover the costs.
There is no one determining factor as to which insurance companies cover trampolines. It goes on a case-by-case basis.
Trampoline exclusion: Your policy may state that trampolines are excluded from your coverage. In that case, your policy would not reimburse you for trampoline-related claims.
Coverage with safety precautions: In this case, the homeowners insurance policy might provide coverage for a trampoline, but only if you have certain safety precautions in place. For example, the trampoline may need to be in a closed and locked area, with access to the area restricted, Worters says.
If you have yet to buy a trampoline but are considering doing so, call your insurer first to find out if it covers trampolines. If it does not, it is possible that if you buy a trampoline, your policy will not be renewed at the end of its term.
Are trampolines an attractive nuisance?
Yes, trampolines are considered an attractive nuisance. That means it’s something that tends to draw attention and poses a risk as a result.
Children -- even those who trespass -- may not fully understand the risk an attractive nuisance poses. The homeowner is responsible for either removing the danger or making it inaccessible to children.
When you have an attractive nuisance on your property, it often makes sense to purchase additional liability coverage. For example, instead of carrying a minimum amount of $100,000, it might make sense to carry $500,000 -- or even more.
What to do if trampolines are excluded from your homeowners insurance policy
If you are looking for trampoline insurance coverage and your homeowners insurance will not cover a trampoline, it's probably best to shop for a new insurance company.
To protect yourself, shop until you find an insurer willing to cover your trampoline. If you can't get coverage, consider removing the trampoline entirely.
How much does trampoline insurance cost?
Does having a trampoline affect homeowners insurance costs? Absolutely.
To be clear, there is no such thing as "trampoline insurance." The coverage that protects you in the aftermath of a trampoline accident can be found in your homeowners insurance policy. You can’t buy a separate trampoline insurance policy.
However, your premiums very well may be higher if you have a trampoline on your property.
"Even if the company that insures your home will allow a trampoline to be installed in your back yard, the additional liability insurance that you might have to take on to accommodate the risk can be very expensive," Worters says.
Homeowners insurance costs an average of $2,777 a year for policy limits of $300,000 for liability and dwelling protection. However, the risk of having a trampoline may bump those rates higher. And you might pay even more if you increase your liability coverage, so you have extra protection to cover the risk of having a trampoline.
How much does a trampoline raise your insurance? It’s hard to determine exactly how much extra it’ll cost to insure your home with a trampoline.
How much does it cost to add an umbrella policy?
It is essential to make sure you carry enough liability coverage to fully protect you if you are sued in case someone is injured on your trampoline . Although you can start by raising the liability limits on your homeowners insurance, you might want even more coverage. If that is the case, consider purchasing an umbrella policy.
An umbrella policy will cover damages and legal defense costs up to the umbrella policy's limit, typically between $1 million and $5 million.
Frequently asked questions about trampolines and homeowners insurance
Does renters insurance cover trampolines?
The coverages of a renters insurance policy are similar to those of traditional homeowners insurance. And that is true of trampoline coverage as well.
If an insurance company is willing to cover trampolines for homeowners, it likely will do so for renters as well.
Do umbrella policies cover trampolines?
Umbrella insurance should cover liability for a trampoline, but as always it’s important to read the fine print and find out exactly what’s covered before you buy.
What happens if someone gets hurt on my trampoline?
If someone is hurt on your trampoline, you could be found legally liable for injuries. If you don’t have enough liability coverage, you may have to pay any additional damages.
