If you are a homeowner with a trampoline, odds are you and your family are spending more time bouncing around when the weather is nice.
When was the last time you reviewed trampoline safety? There are steps you can take to keep safety the top priority for everyone on and off the trampoline. Plus, many insurance carriers require equipment like safety nets or pads for valid trampoline insurance coverage.
Here are five ways to promote trampoline safety and comply with trampoline home insurance:
1. Talk to your independent agent about trampoline insurance coverage
Your agent needs to be aware if you have a trampoline. Some homeowners insurance policies include trampoline coverage, while others will require additional coverage (also known as an endorsement) such as separate trampoline home insurance.
Sometimes increasing liability limits on your homeowners policy or personal umbrella insurance policy will suffice, according to Coverage.com. There are also insurance companies that do not insure trampolines, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well.
Depending on your insurance company, your homeowners policy could cover either accidents or damage, or a combination of the two. Talk to your agent to find out what is covered on your policy and what additional coverage can protect your bouncing outdoor entertainment.
2. Add trampoline home insurance to your policy
It doesn’t matter if your trampoline is new or old, make sure you have trampoline insurance coverage to help in case of damage or an accident. Trampoline insurance costs depend on the insurance company you work with. For companies that allow trampolines, some will surcharge for trampoline coverage and others will include it in their traditional rates.
When you add trampoline home insurance to your policy, ask your independent agent how it will impact your coverage costs.
Learn about our
Home Insurance
3. Make sure there’s a safety net on your trampoline
Many insurance companies won’t cover trampolines without the right safety measures. Safety nets and padding are two of the most common requirements.
If your trampoline did not come with a safety net, you can purchase one to enclose it. Home improvement stores offer safety net enclosure kits as well as other accessories that improve safety such as pad mats for trampoline frames and metal wind stakes.
4. Set ground rules for trampoline safety
Anyone who plans to bounce on your trampoline needs to be aware of your trampoline safety rules. Here are a few ideas for rules you can use to get started:
- Up to three people can jump on the trampoline at one time
- No front flips or back flips
- No jumping above the net
- No climbing underneath the trampoline
- No jumping off the trampoline onto the ground or another surface
Put these rules into place to keep your family and guests safe. With these trampoline safety rules, you can minimize injury and insurance risk.
5. Check your trampoline on a regular basis
While you’re out doing yardwork, add checking your trampoline to your property maintenance list. Here are some signs your trampoline needs some TLC:
- The trampoline net is torn or missing
- There is a hole in the trampoline mesh
- A spring is missing or damaged
From strong storms ripping holes in netting, to wear and (literal) tear from years of bouncing, there are lots of ways your trampoline can present a safety risk. Assess your trampoline for damage regularly and make necessary repairs or replacements to keep everyone on and off the trampoline safe.
This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. Implementing one or more of these suggestions does not guarantee coverage. If any policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. For full details on Grange’s home insurance coverages and discounts, contact your local, independent Grange agent.