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

Just as a pool poses a serious risk to your home insurer, so does a trampoline. Not only does it increase the risk of injuries to your family members, it also increases the liability risks. Some insurance companies will not insure a home with a trampoline, while others may require you to take specific steps to make it safer. Since how a trampoline is handled will vary from one company to another, you will have to speak with your insurer to find out exactly how to avoid having your policy canceled because of owning one.

Imagine that you have neighbor children who are accustomed to playing on the trampoline with your kids, and in your absence one of those children comes over. If the child should break a leg or arm, you could be liable for the injuries even though the child did not have your permission to be using the trampoline in your absence. For many insurance companies, this is an unacceptable risk.

You may be able to keep your coverage if the trampoline is inside a fully fenced and locked area. The key here would be that the trampoline could not be accessed without your knowledge, either by your own family or by any visitor. This would not eliminate the risk of injury, but it might lower the risk enough to allow you to keep your coverage. Installing the protective screens built for trampolines will significantly reduce the risks, and some insurance companies may provide homeowners coverage if screens and pads are installed.

Even if your insurance company will insure your home, they may exclude the trampoline from the coverage. In this case, you would be personally responsible for all damages or injuries out of your own pocket. And even if the trampoline is included in the coverage, you will almost certainly pay much higher premiums to account for the increased risk.

You should also know what to do if your homeowners insurance gets cancelled.