Do You Need Insurance for a Trampoline?

You bought a trampoline, but now you're wondering—do I need insurance for this? If you’re one of the growing number of people who have installed a trampoline in their backyard, you’re probably aware of the fun and joy it can bring to both children and adults alike. However, a trampoline can also bring an element of risk.

Trampolines can cause injuries that range from mild to severe, and many insurance companies are cautious when it comes to providing coverage for households that own one. But why does it matter, and what can you do to ensure you're fully covered without overpaying?

First, trampolines are considered an "attractive nuisance" by many insurance companies. This means that they are objects that can attract people, especially children, and lead to accidents, even if the owner has taken precautions to make the trampoline as safe as possible. Whether someone trespasses on your property or a child falls off while jumping, the risk is inherently higher with trampolines.

Here's what you should consider about trampoline insurance:

The Risks of Owning a Trampoline

Trampolines are a lot of fun, but they come with significant risks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over 100,000 trampoline-related injuries occur annually. Most injuries involve children under the age of 15, and common injuries include sprains, fractures, head injuries, and even paralysis. The financial repercussions from these incidents, both in terms of medical bills and potential lawsuits, are the reasons insurance companies are cautious about trampoline ownership.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover a Trampoline?

The answer depends on your specific insurance policy. In general, there are three possible scenarios you may encounter when it comes to trampoline coverage:

1. Coverage without restrictions: Some homeowners insurance policies may cover a trampoline, treating it just like any other part of your home. In these cases, injuries that occur on the trampoline would be covered under the liability portion of your policy. However, this is the least common situation.

2. Coverage with restrictions: In some cases, insurance companies will cover a trampoline, but only if specific safety measures are in place. For example, they may require that the trampoline is surrounded by a safety net, placed on even ground, or kept within a fenced area.

3. No coverage: Finally, some insurance policies outright exclude trampolines from coverage. In this case, any injuries or lawsuits related to trampoline use would not be covered, and you’d be financially responsible for any resulting expenses.

How to Ensure You're Covered

If you're determined to keep your trampoline and want to make sure you're properly insured, here are some steps you can take:

1. Talk to Your Insurance Provider: Before purchasing a trampoline, or if you already own one, contact your insurance agent to find out how your policy addresses trampoline ownership. They can tell you whether your current policy covers trampolines, whether any restrictions apply, or if you'll need to purchase additional coverage.

2. Install Safety Features: Adding safety measures can help lower the risk of injury and make your trampoline more acceptable to your insurance company. Some insurers may require these features as a condition of coverage, while others may offer you discounts if they are in place. Consider installing a safety net around the trampoline, keeping it on level ground, and ensuring it’s properly anchored to avoid accidents.

3. Increase Your Liability Coverage: If your insurance provider does offer coverage for trampolines, it’s still a good idea to review your liability limits. The standard homeowners insurance policy typically provides $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage, but this might not be enough if a serious injury occurs. To be safe, you may want to consider increasing your liability limits or purchasing an umbrella policy, which provides additional liability protection.

What Happens If Your Insurance Won't Cover a Trampoline?

If your homeowners insurance excludes trampolines from coverage, don’t despair. You still have options:

• Shop Around for a New Policy: Not all insurance companies have the same rules about trampolines. If your current insurer refuses to cover you, it may be worth shopping around for a new provider. Be upfront about your trampoline when requesting quotes, as failing to disclose it could lead to a denial of claims later on.

• Purchase a Separate Policy: In some cases, you may be able to buy a separate liability policy specifically for your trampoline. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, it could save you a lot of money in the event of an accident.

Trampoline Safety Tips

If you're going to own a trampoline, it's essential to take steps to minimize the risk of injury. Here are some tips that can help keep everyone safe:

• Limit the number of jumpers: Most injuries occur when multiple people are using the trampoline at once. It's best to only allow one person to jump at a time.

• Use safety nets and pads: A safety net around the trampoline can help prevent falls, while padding on the frame and springs can reduce the risk of cuts and bruises.

• Supervise children: Always have an adult present when children are using the trampoline. Supervision can prevent risky behavior and stop dangerous activities before they lead to injury.

• Enforce rules: Set and enforce clear rules about what is and isn’t allowed on the trampoline. For example, flips and somersaults should be discouraged, as they can lead to head and neck injuries.

Real-Life Examples

Let’s look at some cases where trampoline insurance (or lack thereof) played a critical role:

• Case 1: The Lawsuit – A homeowner with a trampoline in their yard allowed the neighbor’s kids to come over and play. One child fell off and broke their arm. The parents sued the trampoline owner, and their homeowners insurance covered the medical bills and legal fees. However, if the trampoline hadn’t been covered, the homeowner would have been responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in damages.

• Case 2: Denied Claim – In another situation, a family’s child was injured while jumping on their friend's trampoline. The family attempted to file a claim against the friend’s homeowners insurance, but the claim was denied because the friend’s policy explicitly excluded trampolines from coverage. The family was left to cover the medical bills themselves.

Conclusion: Is Insurance Really Necessary for a Trampoline?

In the end, the question of whether you need insurance for a trampoline comes down to one key point: risk management. Trampolines are a source of joy, but they also come with inherent dangers. Proper insurance coverage can help protect you from the financial consequences of accidents, so it’s crucial to understand your policy and take the necessary precautions.

As with anything, the decision to buy a trampoline is personal, but make sure you're fully informed before making that decision. Speak with your insurance provider, review your coverage, and take steps to mitigate the risks. Owning a trampoline doesn’t have to be a financial or legal nightmare—as long as you’re prepared.