Does homeowners insurance cover trampolines?

Homeowners insurance usually covers trampolines, but not every policy is the same. You may be covered in full, covered with restrictions such as safety precautions, or, in some cases, not covered at all.

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.

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.

No single factor determines which insurance companies cover trampolines. It goes on a case-by-case basis.

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 the standard minimum limit of $100,000, it might make sense to carry $500,000 or more.

What to do if your homeowners insurance policy doesn't cover trampolines

If your trampoline is excluded from your policy, you have four options: see if you can get the exclusion removed with safety precautions, shop for a new policy, accept the responsibility of liability for the trampoline yourself, or remove the trampoline.

See if you can get the exclusion removed. Reach out to your homeowners insurance company to find out if there's anything you can do to get it covered. You may be able to remove the exclusion if you take certain safety precautions, like adding a fence with a locking gate.
Shop for new coverage. If your current insurance company won't cover the trampoline at all, start shopping around for a new homeowners insurance policy with a carrier that will provide coverage. Be transparent with the carriers you're requesting quotes from about the trampoline's presence on your property.
Accept personal responsibility for injuries related to your trampoline. If you can't find a company that will cover your trampoline and want to keep it, you take on the financial risk of having it.
Remove the trampoline. The quickest way to remove the risk is to remove the trampoline from your property.

How much does trampoline insurance cost?

The cost of insurance for your trampoline is rolled into your overall homeowners insurance premium. There is no such thing as trampoline insurance, and you won't find it as a line item on your coverage. Homeowners insurance costs an average of $2,872 a year for a policy with $300,000 in liability coverage and the same limit for your dwelling. However, your premiums very well may be higher if you have a trampoline on your property, 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.

"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.

Do I need an umbrella policy if I have a trampoline?

You may need an umbrella policy if you're concerned about limitations for trampoline coverage on your homeowners insurance 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. That amount applies after the underlying policy's limits are exhausted, or, in some cases, to risks excluded by that policy. An umbrella insurance policy costs between $300 and $500 a year, according the Mercury Insurance, but rates vary by carrier.

Does homeowners insurance cover damage to a trampoline?

Yes, a trampoline is covered under the personal property portion of your homeowners insurance policy, up to the policy's limits, which are usually set at 50% to 70% of the dwelling coverage limit. Personal property coverage on a standard home insurance policy is named perils coverage, which means it's only covered for damage caused by the perils specifically listed on the policy. Standard coverage is also based on actual cash value, which includes depreciation. Upgrade to replacement cost coverage to cover your trampoline for the amount required to replace it with a new one.

FAQ: Trampolines and homeowners insurance

Does renters insurance cover trampolines?

Yes, a renters insurance policy will cover liability for a trampoline unless it is specifically excluded. Coverage varies by carrier and policy, so read your policy carefully and if you're unsure, ask your insurer directly. If there is a trampoline on a rental property that is owned by the landlord, they are responsible for liability related to injuries. Before using a trampoline owned by your landlord, ask what coverage is provided for injuries.

Do umbrella policies cover trampolines?

Yes, umbrella insurance covers liability associated with trampolines, although policies vary and it's important to check the exclusions on your policy. Your homeowners insurance liability coverage applies first, and umbrella insurance will apply after those limits are exhausted.

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.

Does having a trampoline affect homeowners insurance?

Yes, having a trampoline can affect homeowners insurance. Some insurance companies may increase your premiums, as having a trampoline will increase the risk of someone filing a liability claim against you, which adds up to your personal property coverage covered by your home insurer. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific policies regarding trampolines.