You probably didn’t think about your home insurance when you purchased that trampoline for your child. Property insurance wasn’t the first thing on your mind when you purchased a home with a swimming pool or added a dog to the family. However, all three of these things have one feature in common: they can raise your home insurance in Salt Lake City because of the risks they carry. You can minimize the risks by taking certain precautions.
The Risks with a Trampoline
Trampolines are fun, but they can be dangerous as well if not used properly. A person can jump too high and fall off, breaking an arm or getting a concussion. To reduce the risk of injury with a trampoline, you need to make sure the netting is placed securely around it. Zip up the netting whenever anyone is jumping around inside.
It’s also a good idea to make a house rule that no one plays on the trampoline without adult supervision if they are under a certain age. You can also limit the number of people who can jump at one time. Take these precautions to ensure that everyone has a safe, fun time.
Risks with a Swimming Pool
Swimming pools are also dangerous and carry a risk of drowning accidents. Not only can your kids or guests have an accident, but a neighborhood child could wander over and fall in the pool without your knowledge. Because of the inherent risk with swimming pools, they often increase your property insurance rates.
One of the best ways to reduce the risks associated with swimming pools is by building a fence around it. Have a locked gate that prevents anyone from getting inside without your permission. If you let your insurance agent know you have a secure fence, you may get a discount on your premiums.
Don’t let your kids or anyone else swim without adult supervision. While this mainly goes for younger children, it’s a good idea to require your teens to have at least one other person present before swimming.
Risks with Dogs
Owning a dog can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of responsibility. One of the biggest risks for homeowners who have dogs is dog bites. Even docile breeds can bite someone when provoked, which could lead to an injury claim and medical costs.
To reduce the risk, make sure you keep your dog up to date on all shots. Keep them inside your home or in a fenced-in area that others cannot access. Even if your dog has never bitten anyone, don’t take it for granted that it can’t happen. If you happen to have a guard dog, post signs to warn visitors. Keep the dog away from public areas such as sidewalks. You may need a more secure system than invisible fencing since it only keeps the dog from going outside the parameters, but it doesn’t keep people from going inside.
All of these things carry risks for homeowners and may increase your home insurance. Be a responsible owner, and follow these tips to minimize the risks.
