Have your kids begged for a trampoline?  Before you give in, make sure you understand that trampolines may not play well with your homeowners insurance. 

The first piece of advice, if you have a trampoline or are thinking about getting one, is to contact your insurance agent or read your homeowners insurance policy to see if your insurance company allows trampolines.  Homeowners insurance coverage for trampolines varies by insurance company, but is generally handled in one of three ways:

1. No exclusions: This means that a homeowners insurance policy doesn't place any restrictions on trampoline ownership or usage. So, if a visitor is injured while jumping in your yard and you're found legally responsible for their resulting medical bills, the liability coverage in your homeowners policy may help cover the costs. Or if a storm blows through and a tree crushes your trampoline, personal property coverage may help cover the loss.¹
2. Coverage with safety precautions: A homeowners insurance policy may provide coverage (up to the limits and terms of your policy) for a trampoline, assuming you have certain safety precautions in place, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. These may include a net enclosure around the trampoline or a fenced-in yard. Be sure to read your policy to learn what requirements may be in place. ¹
3. Trampoline exclusion: If your policy states that trampolines are excluded from your homeowners insurance coverage, your policy would not provide protection for trampoline-related claims. In some cases, it may also mean that adding a trampoline to your property may not allow you to renew your homeowners insurance policy. Your agent can help you understand the terms, conditions and coverages your homeowners insurance policy provides. ¹

Will my premium increase if I own a trampoline?

Typically, no.  The insurance company will either allow them or not.  An insurance company will not specifically charge for a trampoline hazard is because it is very difficult to calculate a potential liability loss.

What if I don't tell my homeowners insurance company about my trampoline?

If you’re shopping for insurance and decide not to tell your agent or company about an existing trampoline, you’re taking a large risk.  If it’s proven that you did not disclose on the application owning something that is considered a material misrepresentation (like a trampoline) then coverage for any claim can be denied.  This could include a liability claim stemming from a trampoline injury to any claim including a fire loss.

If you already have an existing homeowners policy and you decide to buy a trampoline, that’s not necessarily considered a material misrepresentation since you signed your homeowners application based on the facts at that time.  There may be coverage for a trampoline-related liability claim, but double-check with your carrier first.

Can my homeowners insurance company cancel my policy for owning a trampoline?

Yes - if the carrier does not allow trampolines based on their underwriting, the company has a legal right to issue a cancellation notice.

Are injuries caused by playing on a trampoline covered by my homeowners insurance policy?

Depends.  If your insurance company allows for trampolines, there would likely not be coverage.  If they do not allow trampolines, there would definitely be some questions as to when you got the trampoline, with the possibility of coverage being denied.  If there’s a trampoline exclusion on your policy, there would be NO coverage offered through the policy.

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