Should I Tell My Insurer if I Have a New Trampoline or Swimming Pool?

Summer toy sales have expanded more than normal as a result of the COVID-19 quarantine, including anything from trampolines to pools. The beautiful weather in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Edmonds, surrounding towns has pushed these out-of-the-home activities to the top of parents’ lists in the Pacific Northwest.

How does this relate to home insurance? Regrettably, it is not all fun and games. You must examine your home insurance coverage with your agent or insurance company before making the purchase. Pools and trampolines, after all, are not only unsafe but also appealing nuisances that attract youngsters and teens. Unexpected injuries are more likely when there are attractive nuisances. There might be cases where your children decided to invite their friend without notifying you, or children may decide to trespass on your property to play on the trampoline, and unfortunately one of them fractures a bone.

 Do I need to inform my insurer for purchasing a trampoline? Yes. Ideally, you should call them before purchasing a trampoline to find out whether they are insured and what sort of safety precautions, if any, you need to take. If you do not tell your insurer that you have a trampoline on your property, your policy may be canceled or not renewed. They may also dispute any trampoline-related claims.

There is no state legislation in Washington that compels you to insure your pool or trampoline. However, your home insurance provider has its restrictions that you must follow to be insured and remain covered, and it is to your best advantage to obtain insurance that permits you to possess a trampoline or pool.

Whenever you want to ensure that a future claim will be paid and that you may continue to be their client, you should always notify your insurance provider if you make a purchase that could affect your insurance, such as buying a trampoline or pool. Before making any such purchase, it is strongly advised that you consult with your insurance provider. Additionally, if you rent your house, you should always speak with your landlord to make sure they have no problems and that their home insurance will cover it in addition to speaking with your renter’s insurance provider.

Your insurance policy’s terms and conditions must be observed, just like any other contract. You must comply with their rules if your insurer stipulates that your pool must fulfill a set of standards to be covered. You must remove any pools or trampolines if your insurance policy forbids them to keep your business. Additionally, if a covered loss occurs, your insurance provider will assist in covering the costs of repairs if you have your pool and/or trampoline insured. The last thing you want is to be saddled with high hospital bills or any other related expenditures, such as legal fees if you are sued, that have to be paid out of pocket.

What If I’ve already Filed An Insurance Claim For A Trampoline?

If you had a trampoline-related liability suit in the past but didn’t take it apart and sell it on eBay, nobody would be able to aid you. After the claim is paid, your insurer, who was pleased to extend the benefit of the doubt the first time around, will undoubtedly dump you.

However, this is America. If you have enough money, you can accomplish practically anything. After you have filed a claim involving the trampoline, an experienced independent insurance agent can help you locate insurance coverage for just about everything, including coverage for trampoline liability. Just don’t whine if your premium is three times what you paid the year before!

These Are The Measures To Observe If You Want To Purchase A Pool Or Trampoline:

1.      Before purchasing or installing a pool or trampoline, be sure to check with your insurer to see whether it is covered by your policy.

2.      Ask your agent to go through the requirements you must meet to have pools or trampolines covered under your insurance, as well as any actions you will need to take to set one up and insure it if your insurance provider permits them. If you violate the carrier’s rules even though your carrier permits a trampoline or pool and a claim is filed, your coverage might be void Some insurers, for instance, have their different fence requirement and mandate that there must be a fence surrounding the pool where is located.

3.      Before utilizing the pool or trampoline, check with your agent to make sure you followed all the instructions and that the item complies with the rules. To secure coverage, several insurance companies demand a house inspection.

4.      You should also be aware of the terms of your plan, such as the coverage limits and the items that will be covered in the case of a claim. If a claim includes your trampoline, you’ll want to know when a company will pay and make sure you have adequate protection in case someone is seriously hurt, whether it’s your child, a visitor, or a trespasser. Some insurance plans may not cover trampoline-related injuries, while other policies cover injuries but not trampoline-related property damage (i.e. if it is stolen, vandalized, broken in a storm, etc.).

Limits may rapidly add up when it comes to hospital bills and other claim fees. Your Mosaic agent can assist you in deciding what limits will provide you with sufficient coverage in your circumstances. An umbrella policy, which the Mosaic team will assist you in getting, is good insurance to have if you own a pool or trampoline since it can enhance your coverage possibilities and restrictions.

What Are Some Ways To Prevent Trampoline Injuries?

First, firmly fasten the trampoline to the ground using straps to prevent dangerous shifting or unmooring. Put a lock on the safety net you installed around the trampoline. Don’t tinker with any modifications that will make the trampoline less safe but also more thrilling.

No matter how entertaining it might seem to throw oneself into the deep end after a few too many White Claws, don’t place the trampoline anywhere near a pool.

It’s not only about you and your close relatives when it comes to trampoline safety. As with any in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, think about installing a suitable locking fence around the trampoline.

This will prevent your trampoline from turning into an eye-catching annoyance—something that thrill-seeking neighborhood kids can’t help but avoid, like tree homes or diving boards. You’ll have fewer medical expenses and trampoline accidents if you take extra safety measures around your trampoline.

Conclusion

A trampoline is fun to own, but insurance is a nightmare. It doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to understand that bouncing rather uncontrollably 15 feet above the earth is dangerous. Serious injuries are never more than a bounce away, as anyone who has ever jumped on one of these puppies for more than a minute straight will confirm.

Children shout with delight when given trampolines, swimming pools, treehouse kits, and certain types of pups for the holidays, while homeowner’s insurance brokers grimace. Before purchasing a trampoline, give your insurance company a call to find out if it is covered and what safety measures you need to take.