12 Outdoor Features That Are a Nightmare for Your Insurance
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Many homeowners dream of having a beautiful outdoor space, creating an oasis in your yard of lush lawns, gardens, patios and fire pits. While many of these features make for charm and enjoyment, they can also create unexpected problems — especially with insurance. Some outdoor features may be considered risks and will either increase your insurance premiums or make it difficult to obtain coverage for damages.
Insurance companies will evaluate how safe your property is and some outdoor features could be considered ticking time bombs. These elements may add to the fun factor of your yard, but they can also cause accidents, injuries and liability claims. That said, let’s take a look at some of the most popular outdoor additions that could make your insurance more of a pain than a hammock.
Home Gardens
You might think home gardens are innocent enough, but the layout of your home garden could actually increase your risk. Sharp or heavy equipment in gardens—stone pathways, metal plant supports, large pots—can cause injuries if a guest trips or falls. While you might not have to pay higher premiums for a garden, you could still be on the hook if it’s considered hazardous by your insurer.
Patios and Decks
Both can result in unexpected insurance costs, but a backyard deck or patio is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. The reason poorly built or deteriorating decks are a fall hazard is because they’re often high off the ground. If these structures aren’t up to code, insurers may insist on inspecting them and may request repairs or replacements. While it’s a small price to pay to keep your space safe, don’t be surprised if it affects your premiums.
Sports Courts
If you’re going to put in a tennis, basketball or volleyball court, insurers may not be as enthusiastic as you are. Injuries are thought to occur frequently on sports courts. If someone gets hurt playing, slips, trips and falls can lead to hefty liability claims. This additional coverage or inspection, depending on what your insurer may require, is to make sure your court (or any buildings for that matter) meets state safety standards.
Swimming Pools
While swimming pools are the crown jewel of a backyard, they are also a big risk in the eyes of insurers. Children and others can drown or be injured in pools, which are a liability issue. In many countries, these risks have to be reduced by means of specific safety measures as required by the insurance policies, eg fencing or covers. Insurers might consider it’s an invitation for accidents waiting to happen, so if you have a pool, expect it to bump up your premium.
Trampolines
Although trampolines may appear to be the perfect way to entertain kids, they are also magnets for injuries. According to Bankrate, trampolines are one of the biggest red flags for insurance companies because of broken bones, sprains and even head injuries. In fact, some policies don’t cover trampoline related injuries at all, so if someone gets hurt, you’re on your own.
Treehouses
Another fun outdoor feature for kids and an insurance nightmare for adults is treehouses. Falls from a treehouse are a climbing and playing risk and any fall from height is an insurance liability. According to Bankrate, Some companies won’t cover accidents related to your treehouse at all, but if you do have a treehouse, you may need additional liability coverage. Letting kids live out their backyard adventures is great, but it could cost you.
Fire Pits
Open flames are obviously risky, but something about gathering around a fire pit is cozy. Fire pits increase the chance of fires on your property and on neighboring properties. Your fire pit may be scrutinized by insurers as to its safe distance from structures, trees and other flammable materials. Some of the concerns might be mitigated by fire safety precautions, but don’t be surprised if your insurance provider raises your premium anyway.
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs are like pools in that they can result in higher insurance premiums because they present a drowning risk and may cause injury. And if the hot tub is not properly installed there is also the added risk of electrical issues. A small slip while getting in or out of a hot tub can create liability problems. Insurers will look closely at the safety features of a hot tub if you’re thinking of installing one, and add a little extra to your bill.
Playsets and Swing Sets
Sure, playsets are fun and create giggles, but they pose some risks too. If you have climbing, swinging and sliding equipment, make sure that it is well maintained; that’s because they may be the cause of accidents and injuries. Some insurers may put on users to regularly check and fix playsets in order to keep them covered. If your kids’ play area becomes a neighborhood attraction, you can expect your premium to bump up accordingly.
Ponds and Water Features
Charming as it might be to add a pond or decorative water feature in your yard, these installations can be a liability. Ultimately, water features can be a drowning gauntlet, especially for toddlers and are so often overlooked as potential hazards. Ponds may be treated the same as pools by some insurers, with such safety features as enclosing with a fence or locking gate to prevent accidents.
Outdoor Kitchens and Grills
Outdoor kitchens are a fire risk, but they are becoming popular. Accidental fires can occur when grills, ovens and even outdoor fireplaces are used. Outdoor kitchens may not pass with a lot of insurers – they may require the outdoor kitchens to meet specific safety codes. Cooking outside feels like a mini vacation, but if your insurer is paying attention, it may perceive your outdoor cooking as a source of stress.
Fences
Fences can even affect your insurance, surprisingly. While they may be good for keeping kids or pets off your property or to secure your property, damaged or poorly maintained fences can lead to liability if someone injures themselves on or near your property. In some cases, insurers might even insist on fence repairs before they will even grant or renew a policy. A well maintained fence can help, but don’t think it’s a worry free thing.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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