Insurance considerations for pools, hot tubs and backyard toys

Contact: Jennifer Bowen
(334) 269-3550

5/3/2018

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.