Does home insurance cover trampolines?

While a trampoline promises endless backyard fun for the whole family, it also introduces a significant element of risk. Placing a trampoline in your yard can complicate your homeowners insurance — and in extreme cases, may result in the cancellation of your policy.

Does home insurance cover trampolines?

In some cases, home insurance may cover trampolines in multiple ways. While certain insurers might exclude trampolines from coverage or refuse to renew your policy — or even cancel your policy if you purchase a trampoline (more on that next) — it’s possible that your homeowners insurance could cover your trampoline through:

• Personal liability insurance

• Medical payments

• Personal property insurance

• Umbrella coverage

Since policies may vary, it’s important to read yours carefully or speak with an agent before purchasing and assembling a trampoline in your yard.

Common trampoline restrictions

While personal liability and property damage coverage are important for homeowners with trampolines, you shouldn’t assume they’ll automatically apply when you purchase a trampoline.

In fact, many insurers have strict trampoline restrictions because of how dangerous trampolines can be. In insurance, trampolines are labeled an “attractive nuisance” — something that appears fun, even to unwelcome visitors (like neighborhood children), but ultimately poses a serious risk of injury or death.

Here are some common trampoline restrictions to note:

• No coverage: Your home insurance policy may simply exclude trampolines. Because of their inherent danger, insurers often exclude trampoline injuries from personal liability coverage and sometimes even property damage coverage.

• Coverage with safety precautions: Some insurers may cover your trampoline, but only if you take specific safety precautions. These generally include a locked fence surrounding the yard with the trampoline and a safety net on the trampoline itself.

• Coverage at an additional cost: Insurers may cover your trampoline, but they’ll raise your rates to reflect the added risk. In other cases, you may need to purchase add-on coverage, called an endorsement.

Insurers may simply reject your application if you have a trampoline. And if you purchase a trampoline in the middle of your policy term, it’s crucial to inform your insurer. If you don’t, your coverage could be voided when you need it most. 

Importantly, your insurance company might not offer to renew your policy or may cancel the policy on the spot upon learning about your trampoline. So, to avoid surprises, always speak with your home insurance company before you get one.

Types of coverage that may apply to trampolines

Assuming your policy does allow a trampoline, here are the types of home insurance coverage that could apply.

Personal liability insurance

A major component of a standard home insurance policy is personal liability coverage. Liability coverage can help pay for medical bills if someone other than you or your household members gets injured while jumping on your trampoline. It can also cover your legal defense if the injured party sues you or lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working.

Medical payments

Medical payments to others (sometimes called "no-fault" coverage) provides another way to cover costs if a guest is injured on your trampoline. This coverage is typically reserved for smaller medical bills, like those from a broken arm. 

Since proof of negligence is not required for a medical payments claim, payouts are often dispersed much quicker than through personal liability. This fast, no-fault approach can be helpful in resolving minor incidents and potentially avoiding a lawsuit.

Personal property insurance

A standard homeowners insurance policy also includes personal property coverage, which can extend to your trampoline. If your trampoline gets damaged by any of the following, insurance may cover the repair or replacement cost:

• Fire or explosions

• Storms (lightning, wind, hail, etc.)

• Falling trees

• Theft or vandalism

Similarly, if a windstorm picks up your trampoline and throws it into your home or other structures (like a shed or gazebo), that damage may also be covered by your home insurance through either dwelling coverage or other structures coverage, which are included in a standard policy.

Umbrella insurance

Liability insurance only covers you up to a limit specified by your policy. However, trampoline injuries could lead to high medical bills or worse. With the combination of expensive treatment costs and the potential for a lawsuit, you may need more liability coverage than your policy limit.

If your insurer allows trampolines, start by increasing your liability coverage to the highest limit. Even then, consider a personal umbrella policy. Umbrella insurance provides extra coverage when costs exceed your policy limits. Policies typically start with a minimum of $1 million in additional coverage.

How to get trampoline coverage

Before purchasing a trampoline, here’s how to get coverage:

1. Speak with your current insurer. Contact your insurance company and ask how your home insurance would need to be revised if you purchase a trampoline. If your insurer simply won’t cover trampolines, start getting quotes from other insurers that will allow you to have a trampoline — or give up on your dream of bouncing in the backyard.

2. Purchase the proper endorsement or rider. Some insurers may cover trampolines, but only if you add an endorsement to your policy.

3. Increase your liability coverage. Assuming you’re cleared for coverage, consider increasing your policy limit on your liability coverage. You may also want to add umbrella coverage for extra security.

4. Make it safe. Insurers may only approve a trampoline if you take certain safety precautions, such as installing a locked fence and adding safety netting. If these measures aren’t required by your insurer, they’re still good steps to take to avoid injury.

How to reduce the risk of trampoline claims

Even if your insurer will cover trampolines, you should do everything in your power to avoid injury and claims. Here are some strategies to reduce the risk involved in owning a trampoline:

• Install a locked fence: Discourage uninvited guests from sneaking onto your property and getting hurt on the trampoline by surrounding your yard with a tall security fence with a lock.

• Add safety netting: Safety netting around your trampoline can help prevent more serious injuries.

• Supervise children on the trampoline: Never allow minors to use the trampoline without adult supervision.

• Be safe as an adult: Don’t use the trampoline if you’ve had alcohol or if you have certain medical conditions.

• Take down the trampoline when it won’t be used: If you’re taking a long vacation or simply won’t be using the trampoline during the winter season, take it down to reduce the chance of injury. Reinstall it when you’re ready to jump again.

• Secure the trampoline to the ground: Use anchor kits to secure the trampoline to the ground. This can avoid damage during high winds.