24 Jun Trampoline Safety

Trampolines provide hours of much-needed fun and exercise for kids (and some of us adults, too!) Especially during summertime when parents have exhausted all of the fun activities they planned to keep their kids busy, a trampoline is a welcome form of entertainment for kids. While bumps and bruises are commonplace among active children, it probably comes as no surprise that trampolines are the source of many serious injuries to children. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that the majority of trampoline-related injuries are fractures and sprains.

Of course, we’re always trying to find ways to keep you and your family safe while still having fun and living life to the fullest. With that in mind, here are a few safety tips and precautionary concerns for your and your family to keep in mind regarding at-home trampolines!

“Does my Homeowners Insurance cover a trampoline on my property?”

Homeowners insurance policies and trampolines don’t always get along so well. Due to the large number of accidents and injuries that occur on trampolines, insurance companies are wary of trampolines and often attach trampoline exclusions to their policies. You definitely don’t want to go through the effort of buying and setting up a trampoline at your home only to find out that the insurance company isn’t happy with it, or (worst-case scenario) that someone is injured because of the treehouse and that your policy won’t provide adequate protection. Before you put a trampoline on your property, please give your insurance agent a call so they can discuss your existing policy and options with you.

Please Note: While not all homeowners policies include exclusions for trampolines, if your insurance policy does include this exclusion, the insurance company may cancel a policy entirely if a drive-by inspection reveals a trampoline in your yard.

“How can I decrease trampoline accidents?”

• Build it Well: Set your trampoline upon level, hard ground. Always follow the manufacturer’s warnings and directions. If your trampoline arrives defective, don’t hesitate to send it back to the manufacturer.
• Limit Access & Set Rules:  To prevent children from using your trampoline unsupervised, be sure to install a fence with a self-locking gate. Set rules when it comes to when children are allowed on the trampoline as well as necessary supervision and behavior. Adult supervision is always recommended, but children younger than 6 years old should not play on trampolines even with an adult present.
• Get Proper Safety Equipment: Invest in proper netting and padding for your trampoline to reduce the severity of any potential injuries.
• Inspect: Regularly inspect your trampoline for wear and tear. Rust, rips, and worn materials are a recipe for disaster. If you notice that the condition of your trampoline has deteriorated, replace it with a new one.

“Can I get a separate insurance policy for a treehouse?”

Even if your homeowners policy doesn’t exclude your trampoline, keep in mind how potentially pricy a trampoline accident could be. A trampoline accident could definitely exceed your coverage limit! Your agent can discuss your current limits and make recommendations as to whether you should increase your limit, but you may also want to consider adding a personal umbrella policy.

An umbrella policy would provide liability coverage that exceeds the limits of your homeowners insurance policy. Thankfully, umbrella insurance is actually quite cost-effective compared to other insurances, and of course, we always work to find you the most cost-effective policy we can.

While a trampoline may bring so much joy to your kids and the rest of your family, always be sure that you’re aware of the risks, working to keep your loved ones safe, and protecting yourself against the worst-case scenario! Your biggest protection comes with ensuring you’re properly covered with the appropriate homeowner’s liability limits. If you aren’t sure you have the right amount for your summertime fun, give your Sava agent a call today. We’re more than happy to review your policy for gaps in coverage and make recommendations to keep you protected!

860-437-7282

Looking for more information on other summertime liabilities such as swimming pools and tree houses? Check out this other great Sava Insurance blog post: Summertime Liabilities