Is your child begging for a trampoline for his or her birthday? Before becoming parent of the year for making that purchase, it is a good idea to read your homeowners insurance policy, or contact your insurance agent to confirm that the trampoline or play structure is covered. Coverage by state and by insurance company may vary.

Depending on your homeowners insurance company, homeowner policies usually fall into one of three categories:

• Homeowners insurance covers your trampoline with no exclusions
• Homeowners insurance covers it but requires safeguards for your trampoline
• Homeowners insurance doesn't cover your trampoline

See details on each of these possible scenarios below.

When homeowners insurance covers trampolines

Some carriers provide a “no exclusion” policy, allowing for trampoline ownership. Additionally, the carriers do not require restrictions on the trampoline, such as requiring a net around the structure.

When homeowners insurance covers trampolines but requires safeguards

Some insurance companies will insure you provided that you take certain safeguards when you install the trampoline. For example, a carrier may require that the trampoline be surrounded by a net or enclosed within a fenced-in property.

When homeowners insurance doesn't cover trampolines

A homeowners insurance policy may flat out exclude trampolines. In this case, the insurer will deny any trampoline-related claim and will not pay for any damage or liability claims associated with the trampoline. Additionally, some carriers take it a step further and may refuse to renew your policy if you own a trampoline, even without ever having filed a claim. These carriers refuse to run the risk of any potential trampoline claim.

If a trampoline or play structure is covered by your homeowners insurance policy, then this would fall under “Other Structures” (Coverage B). “Other structures” are structures on your property that are detached from your dwelling. There are three types of coverages associated with other structures.

1. Medical Liability: Coverage F covers the medical expenses of any person who does not live on your property and is accidentally injured on your property. For example, if a neighbor’s child is bouncing on the trampoline, falls off and sustains an injury resulting in medical attention, and ultimately medical bills, a portion of these medical expenses are covered by this section of your policy. Check your policy to determine the pre-set limit of coverage. Contact your agent or insurance company to determine the appropriate amount of coverage.

2. Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP): Another avenue for coverage is through a personal umbrella policy. When purchasing a trampoline, it is a smart idea to determine if the amount of your medical liability is adequate. If not, you may choose to increase it or add PUP. This additional policy will increase your liability coverage to exceed the limits of your current homeowners liability coverage. If there is a claim, once the medical liability on your homeowners policy reaches maximum payout, the PUP will then begin to pay the remainder of claim up to a pre-set limit. Contact your agent or insurance company to determine the appropriate amount of coverage you need.

3. Other Structures: If your trampoline is damaged and it is caused by a covered peril as stated in your homeowners insurance policy, a portion of the damage may be covered. This damage is subject to the deductible and limited to the amount set forth in your policy. For example, if a windstorm causes $3,000 worth of damage to the trampoline as determined by an adjuster, and there is a $1,000 deductible on the homeowner’s policy, then the homeowner will be responsible to pay for the first $1,000. The insurer will be responsible for the remaining $2,000.

Are you shopping for homeowners insurance? See who other consumers rate as the top homeowners insurance companies.

The content on this site is offered only as a public service to the web community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an insurance company or an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the insurance company or any individual attorney.