Does homeowners insurance cover trampolines?

Trampolines and homeowners insurance: How does it work?

Personal liability coverage

One of the risks of having a trampoline on your property is that someone who isn't a member of your household may get injured while using it. If someone is injured while using your trampoline, you could be held liable. Personal liability coverage may help pay for the injuries you're liable for and cover legal fees up to your policy's limit. Additionally, you may be responsible for injuries or damages that aren't covered by your policy or exceed your policy limits .

Some policies only cover injuries if you take certain safety precautions. For example, limiting the number of people who can use the trampoline at the same time or putting netting around the trampoline to help prevent falls. You may not be covered if you don't comply with the insurance company's requirements and someone gets hurt.

Personal property coverage

If your trampoline is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril, such as vandalism or a windstorm, personal property coverage may pay to repair or replace it, up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible.

Dwelling and other structures coverage

If high winds launch your trampoline into the side of your house, causing damage, dwelling coverage may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your window or siding. If the trampoline hits a fence or gazebo instead, other structures coverage may pay for the damage.

Does having a trampoline affect homeowners insurance?

Having a trampoline increases the risk of someone filing a liability claim against you and adds to the amount of personal property covered by your home insurer. Your policy’s premium may increase when you notify your insurer of a trampoline on your property, assuming your insurer will cover the risk. Some insurance companies don’t allow trampolines and exclude coverage. If you purchase or obtain one, your insurance company may not extend coverage for trampoline-related injuries and damages, and they may cancel or non-renew your policy.

Should I let my homeowners insurance company know if I get a trampoline?

Yes. Ideally, you should call them before you get a trampoline to find out whether they're covered and what type of safety precautions — if any — you need to take. If you fail to notify your insurer that you have a trampoline on your property, they could cancel or non-renew your coverage. They may also deny any trampoline-related claims.

Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage

If you need more than a $500,000 liability limit, which is the maximum offered on most standard homeowners insurance policies, umbrella insurance can increase your liability coverage. If you're liable for injuries from the use of your trampoline, and the cost of the lawsuit exceeds the amount of liability coverage you have on your homeowner’s policy, your umbrella policy may cover the difference, up to your policy’s limit.