Why trampoline fun may not be insured by your homeowners policy

Ah, the joys of summer. As healthy as summer and after-school activities are for your kids, some shapes definitely have a downside.

A disadvantage?

What could be wrong with some good old fashioned fun? It seems the insurance industry has turned the issue around from all angles. When it comes to fun with the potential for danger, experts say, the risks may be too great for the likes of a related company.

So trampolines, that device that allows your kids to jump until they use up their energy and then go for some more, may not actually be in the terms and conditions of your home coverage policy.

Now, don’t just take what this article says as proof. Go ahead and check the facts for yourself. But do your research before you buy one or use one because if you find out it’s excluded, you won’t be protected in case of injury liability!

Read your policy carefully.

Is your trampoline covered? If you don’t see any exclusions listed on trampolines, you have a green light to use them. If an associated accident does occur, you will have the protection of insurance that will generally pay for the damages you are responsible for in the event a lawsuit is determined.

But what if your trampoline is conditionally covered? If you are confused about the question, let us explain it to you.

Some insurance companies will include trampoline coverage under the terms and conditions of the homeowners policy only if specific safety concerns are addressed. This means that your coverage depends on the installation of a net fence or the installation of similar precautionary equipment.

So we come to a situation where an insurance plan does not cover the trampoline at all. Read the policy conditions carefully to see if such an item is excluded from coverage. If you still intend to own a trampoline, don’t buy or use it until you’ve purchased the proper policy that actually covers it. Keep in mind, however, that a homeowners plan that includes a trampoline is likely to have higher premiums than one that doesn’t.

Without a doubt, discussing your particular case with a knowledgeable independent agent is the right way to approach the matter. In fact, consulting with an insurance agent who has her best interests in mind will allow her to choose her policy, giving her the right protection when she needs it most.