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When
you install backyard amenities like pools, hot tubs, playsets or trampolines,
you should reassess your insurance coverage.
To
help reduce the risk of financial loss in case of an accident or injury, many
homeowners decide or may be required to purchase a personal umbrella policy
in addition to their regular homeowners insurance.
The
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has these tips to help
you get smart about what kinds of homeowners insurance is right for you.
The
summer season is almost here, and with it, many are making plans to add
entertaining features to backyards across the country. Swimming pools,
fire pits, outdoor spas, trampolines, playsets, treehouses and other
potentially dangerous accessories can unintentionally expose homeowners to
more risks. Tragically, more than 200 children drown in backyard pools each
year.
If
you install any of these items, be sure to discuss them with your insurance
agent or insurer.
Personal
Umbrella Insurance Policy
Umbrella
insurance is extra liability insurance designed to help protect you and your
family from major claims and lawsuits. It provides additional liability
coverage above and beyond the limits of your homeowners and boat insurance
policies.
Questions
you should discuss with your insurance professional before you install a
swimming pool, fire pit, outdoor spa, trampoline, playset, treehouse or other accessory include:
- Will my current homeowners
policy cover these outdoor attractions?
- Will my homeowners coverage
be more expensive if I add the item to my policy?
- Do I need a certain kind of
fence around my yard if a backyard attraction is added?
- Does my fence have to be
self-closing, and do I need self-latching gates?
- Does my pool or hot tub need
to be covered and/or locked when not in use?
- Do I need to have a pool
alarm to alert me if a child falls into the water when adults are not
present?
- Do suction drains in pools or
spas have up-to-code curved covers to prevent suction entrapment?
- Does a fire pit create
additional liability for me?
As
your children age and you remove backyard attractions, notify your insurance
agent so they can adjust your coverage and limits.
Nothing
ensures a safe summer better than diligent adult supervision, so make sure to
teach your children about the importance of appropriate adult supervision
when using certain backyard toys and attractions.
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