Do I Need Extra Coverage on My Homeowners’ Policy If I Have a Pool?
Having a pool is a dream for many homeowners. After all, a pool can be the main attraction for families during their summer vacation. However, swimming pools and hot tubs are considered an attractive nuisance because of the increased chances of injury or death linked to pool accidents.Your homeowners’ policy does face a higher premium due to the elevated risk of an accident that could arise in a home that has a pool, as opposed to a home that doesn’t have one.
Homeowners’ insurance policies usually include basic liability protection that covers the costs of medical care for others injured at your home. Pools, particularly in-ground pools, come with considerable risks, especially when it comes to children… whether they have been invited to swim in your pool or not! Accidents on your property put you at risk for liability, for medical claims and or potential civil lawsuits.
Thousands of people are injured each year in pool-related accidents and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates more than 3,400 people drown each year. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 14.
You do not necessarily need to buy additional insurance with an in-ground pool, but it may be advisable to purchase additional liability insurance or an umbrella insurance policy (which gives you broad personal liability coverage), and is very affordable. For an additional premium you can get $1 million of liability protection over and above what you have on your home.
Many insurance companies/carriers will require you to have your pool or yard fenced. Some companies require a fence to be a certain height, with a self-closing gate, as well as other restrictions. A diving board or a slide can surely make your pool a lot more fun, however, some companies/carriers may deny coverage due to the fact it can increase the risk of injury.
It is important to be aware that homeowners insurance does not protect against physical damage to a pool or hot tub unless your policy has been specifically written to include this coverage. You are only covered in the event of bodily injury to a guest (a non-resident of the household).
Besides liability protection, you should also have enough insurance protection to replace your pool in the event it is destroyed by a storm or other disaster.
Be sure to let your insurance agent/company know that you have a pool, hot tub, or before taking the plunge and having a pool built to be sure you’re sufficiently covered.
Motz-Rusin Insurance Agency PALM DESERT office 760-564-3888 www.MotzRusin.com
78000 Fred Waring Dr. Suite 202, Palm Desert, CA 92211
License #0M26924
Motz-Rusin Insurance Agency WYOMING office 307-204-8400 https://motzrusininsurance.com/
1131 13th St. Suite 201, CODY, WY 82414
WY License #455134
License #0M26924
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide details of what you need to do to protect your assets.
