There is something especially enjoyable about your kids having friends over to go swimming in your backyard pool or play on a swing set or monkey bars, but sometimes the fun is interrupted by an injury. That’s when a homeowner must worry, as it could result in a costly lawsuit.
The fact is, many items in your backyard, especially recreational equipment, are also a liability since you can be held legally liable for injuries sustained by guests on your property. Some recreational items carry greater liability risks than others, so it’s crucial to take safety precautions and understand how your insurance may protect you.
Here’s a look at the most common backyard items that can be a liability, and how to protect your guests and your finances in case someone is injured.
Swimming pools and hot tubs — Pools are classified as “attractive nuisances,” meaning they pose a serious risk to children who may be drawn to them unsupervised. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4.
How to reduce risk: Install a fence at least 4 feet high with a self-latching gate. For above-ground pools, remove or lock the ladder when not in use. Pool covers and motion alarms add an extra layer of protection.
Trampolines — Trampolines send more than 100,000 kids to emergency rooms every year. Broken bones, head injuries and spinal trauma are some of the most common injuries.
How to reduce risk: Use safety netting around the perimeter. Supervise children at all times, follow age and weight restrictions and remove access ladders when not in use.
Swing sets and monkey bars — Kids falling from playground equipment can break bones or sustain other injuries, especially when the structure is built over hard surfaces.
How to reduce risk: Anchor equipment securely and install shock-absorbing material underneath, such as mulch, rubber tiles or wood chips. Regularly inspect for loose bolts or worn parts.
Treehouses — Treehouses often lack secure access points and can be built on unstable limbs. Falls from even moderate heights can result in serious injury.
How to reduce risk: Take down ladders when a parent is not around or can’t supervise play. Regularly check structural integrity. Avoid building them higher than 10 feet off the ground.
Fire pits and grills — Fire and hot surfaces pose obvious dangers, especially to young children. Burns and accidental fires are common.
How to reduce risk: When using a fire pit, never leave flames unattended. Maintain a safe perimeter and keep children at a distance.
Your insurance
Homeowner’s insurance typically includes personal liability coverage, but not all backyard items are treated equally by insurers.
For example, trampolines and pools often trigger higher premiums or special conditions. Some insurers may deny coverage outright unless specific safety measures, like fencing, are in place. Ziplines, treehouses and large play structures may also prompt restrictions or require disclosure to your insurance carrier.
Most homeowner’s policies include $100,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage, but this may not be enough for a serious injury. You can boost your protection by adding umbrella insurance, which kicks in if you exceed your homeowner’s insurance liability maximum as a result of a claim or lawsuit. Policies are typically purchased in $1 million increments.
Your homeowner’s policy’s liability coverage and umbrella policy may cover:
Medical expenses — This includes hospital bills, doctor visits and even pain and suffering if you’re found liable for a guest’s injury.
Legal costs — If a claim escalates into a lawsuit, your liability insurance covers legal expenses, including attorney fees and court costs, whether you’re ultimately found liable.
Lost wages — If someone is injured on your property and can’t work, your liability coverage may help pay for their lost income.
Death benefits — In the event of a fatal accident on your property for which you’re found responsible, liability coverage may pay death benefits to the victim’s family.
One last tip: Before installing or using backyard recreational items, check with us to ensure you’re adequately covered and in compliance with your policy’s safety requirements.