Beware the Backyard Trampoline

Some families buy them for exercise or to burn off the youthful energy of their kids. Once in a backyard, they are a magnet for neighbor kids and even some adventurous adults who should probably know better. They may be purchased in hopes of landing the perfect summersault or backflip, but they may be just as likely to land someone in the hospital. We are talking about backyard trampolines and homeowners should beware. 

During their height of popularity, between 2002 and 2011, backyard trampolines were the cause of over 1 million hospital emergency room visits with almost one-third of those involving broken bones. An astounding 93% of those fractures occurred in children 16 and under. Even with advanced safety features of the more modern editions, trampolines still cause over 100,000 injuries annually. Like they say, “it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt” and it still happens all too frequently with backyard trampolines.

So what can you do? Well, if you don’t have a backyard trampoline you may want to think twice about getting one. If you have one, consider recycling it. If you insist on using it, make sure it has plenty of padding and that children only jump on it one at a time and they are supervised when doing so. Many homeowners’ insurance policies consider these devices an “attractive nuisance” requiring access to be restricted. There’s also one more thing to consider. That is whether your homeowners’ insurance policy has a trampoline exclusion clause. This may exclude any injury-related or liability claim made against you should someone become injured on your trampoline. More and more insurance companies will not accept a home with a trampoline. The insurance company will deny a policy if you have a trampoline. If a trampoline is purchased after you purchased your policy and the insurance company finds out you have one, most likely your home insurance will be set to be canceled on it’s next renewal. Unless, of course, you decide to recycle it. 

If you have a backyard trampoline, check your policy to make sure you will be covered. If you are unsure, contact one of our independent agents for a homeowners’ insurance policy review. If you do not have coverage don’t risk your home and savings. It is time to retire it.

Beware of that backyard trampoline. It just may jump up and bite you in the assets.