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What Every Homeowner Should Know About Trampolines
If you're not covered, it may be hard to bounce back from a big liability claim.
Kaz Weida is a writer and content strategist specializing in insurance. Before joining NerdWallet, she was a freelance journalist for over a decade with a focus on personal finance, politics and technology. Her work has appeared in CNET, Popular Mechanics, Yahoo Finance, Consumer Affairs, DAME Magazine and The Penny Hoarder. As a former teacher, Kaz enjoys educating consumers about complicated topics like insurance to encourage healthier financial decisions. She lives in northern Vermont.
Caitlin Constantine is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet, focusing on auto, homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has nearly 20 years of experience in online journalism, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and the senior digital producer for Bay News 9, a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
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A trampoline might seem like a fun addition to your backyard, but it comes with some risks. Tens of thousands of children get hurt on trampolines each year, according to a 2022 Pediatric Emergency Care study
It’s no surprise then that many home insurers are wary about covering trampolines. Before you buy a trampoline, here’s what you should know about how it may impact your homeowners insurance.
Does homeowners insurance cover trampolines?
Many insurers consider a trampoline to be an "attractive nuisance," which means children might use it without fully understanding the risks. It also means you could be liable if a child gets hurt on your trampoline, even if they use it without your permission.
Did you know...
Attractive nuisance doctrine states that as a homeowner, you are responsible for restricting access to things on your property that could harm a child. This law doesn’t just apply to trampolines or swimming pools. It can also refer to things such as wells, tunnels, ladders and even power tools.
Home insurers differ in how they address backyard trampolines.
Depending on the company and where you live, the following might apply:
Your insurer will cover your trampoline as part of a standard policy with no extra charges.
Your insurer may exclude liability for claims related to the trampoline from your coverage.
The company will cover your trampoline as long as it meets certain safety rules.
Your premium may go up.
The company may not offer you a policy at all.
If an insurer won’t cover you because you have a trampoline, don’t take it personally. It’s often because of the company’s history with trampolines and overall risk tolerance, rather than your specific situation.
What kind of homeowners coverage do I need for a trampoline?
Read your homeowners policy carefully and ask your insurer directly to know for sure if your trampoline is covered. Here are a few different ways a claim for a trampoline injury might be covered.
Personal liability Personal liability
Liability coverage is part of a standard homeowners policy and can help pay for medical bills if someone who isn’t part of your household gets hurt. It can even cover legal bills if you were to be sued as a result of a trampoline injury. However, you may want to consider increasing your limits if you have a trampoline. Read more about personal liability coverage.
Medical payments Medical payments
Less serious injuries that result in smaller claims could be covered by the medical payments portion of your policy. Find out more about medical payments coverage for home insurance.
Personal property Personal property
This part of your policy might cover damage to your trampoline as a result of storms, fire or theft. Check with your insurer to find out. Learn more about personal property coverage.
Umbrella insurance Umbrella insurance
A personal umbrella policy provides liability coverage beyond that of your underlying homeowners policy, with limits that can pay anywhere from $300,000 up to $1 million or more. Read more about umbrella insurance.
You can also check to see if your insurer offers a policy add-on (also known as an endorsement) for trampolines, sometimes referred to as trampoline insurance.
Do I have to tell my home insurer that I have a trampoline?
It's typically in your best interest to consult your insurer before buying a trampoline, even if doing so could lead to higher premiums. The cost of your insurer refusing to cover a trampoline claim would likely be much higher than expenses from changing your policy.
If you buy a backyard trampoline without telling your insurer and someone gets hurt on it, your insurer may deny the claim. Your insurance company may also cancel or refuse to renew your policy.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Even if your trampoline is covered when you first buy it, it's important to keep tabs on your insurance company's rules. How your insurance covers trampolines can change over time so check in when you update your homeowners policy each year.
How to get your homeowners insurance to cover your trampoline
You might be required to take a few steps before your insurer will sign onto covering a backyard trampoline. Even if your insurer doesn’t mandate it, trampoline owners should take as many safety precautions as possible. For example:
𓈈 Put netting around the trampoline to reduce the risk of falling.
🤕 Position the trampoline away from concrete and fences.
👧 Make sure kids have parental permission.
🙋 Allow one person on the trampoline at a time.
🤝 Always supervise play on or near the trampoline.
👶 Restrict access for children under 6.
🤸 No somersaults allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does renters insurance cover trampolines? Does renters insurance cover trampolines?
It depends. Like homeowners insurance, renters insurance generally covers liability and damages to property, but some insurers might exclude injuries from trampolines. You should review your policy and consult with your insurance company to confirm your coverage.
Does having a trampoline increase the cost of your homeowners insurance? Does having a trampoline increase the cost of your homeowners insurance?
Having a trampoline can raise your home insurance premiums because it increases the risk of an injury or liability claim for your insurer. Some insurers might include increased costs in your rate while others assess a surcharge for your trampoline.
Can my homeowners insurance company cancel my policy if I have a trampoline? Can my homeowners insurance company cancel my policy if I have a trampoline?
If your home insurer excludes trampolines from coverage, they could cancel or refuse to renew your policy if you install one. This is why it’s important to consult with your home insurance company before you buy a backyard trampoline.
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