Did you know that many home insurance companies will not cover policyholders with trampolines and have restrictions for policyholders with a pool. Check with us or current insurance agent before buying a trampoline or pool. Also please let us know if you have already purchased one.
If you file an insurance claim involving a trampoline or pool (especially if your insurance company didn’t know you had one), you are not only going to experience higher insurance bills, but you could have trouble finding an insurance company willing to underwrite your future coverage.
We have complied a few tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones from these common warm-weather hazards.
Trampolines = Trouble
More than 1 million people went to the emergency room for trampoline-related injuries between 2002 and 2011, with about 300,000 injuries involved broken bones. The American Academy of Pediatrics Web site states, “Adult supervision will not adequately prevent injuries on home trampolines. Trampolines should be used only in supervised training programs for gymnastics, diving, or other competitive sports.”
As a homeowner, you should consider the liability of a backyard trampoline, in addition to the potential for injury. Trampolines are not only dangerous, they are also virtually impossible to secure and adequately supervise.
Protecting Your Pool and Yourself
Another common backyard hazard is a swimming pool. Per the Insurance Information Institute (III), about 43,000 people are injured annually in and around swimming pools each year; half of pool fatalities occur in yards of single-family homes.
Many insurance companies require the following before they will cover a pool:
- An in-ground pool must have a fence with a locking gate that meets state height requirements.
- An above-ground pool requires a self-latching and locking gate (if there’s a deck) or removable ladder (if no deck).
- The entrances of the pool must be locked when the pool is not being used.
- Pools must be well supervised when in use.
- Pools with a diving board or a slide generally need to be eight feet or deeper.
In addition, the III suggests pool owners check often for hazards like glass bottles and toys. Use caution with electrical devices around the pool as well. Do not let anyone swim alone, especially during bad weather or if they have been drinking alcohol. Also, remember to keep children away from the pool filters.
If you have any questions or concerns on your trampoline or pool, please don’t hesitate to give R.C. Keller & Company a call at 847-907-4520. We will help you go over your options and make sure you are covered properly.