What's Really Covered?
When the end-of-summer sales roll around, it’s hard to resist adding a pool, trampoline, gazebo, or shed to your backyard. Retailers slash prices, big box stores make it easy to buy out-of-box setups, and suddenly, your outdoor space feels like a dream. But before you add to your cart, there is one question many homeowners forget to ask, that can easily turn your dream into a nightmare: “Is this covered under my homeowner’s insurance?”
Why Coverage Isn't Always Straight Forward
Accredited insurance adjusters regularly see homeowners file a claim for damage to an outdoor structure or backyard item, only to discover it isn’t covered the way they thought. Homeowners insurance policies are designed to protect your house, personal belongings, and liability, but coverage for “other structures,” such as pools, sheds, fences, and gazebos, often comes with limits, exclusions, and special conditions. Which is why it is critical to review your policy with your insurance agent.
Pools: Fun now, risks later
In Florida, above-ground and in-ground pools are favored by homeowners because of their potential for year round fun and not to mention a way to escape the summertime extreme heat. However, insurance companies often view pools much differently than homeowners.
Specifically, when it comes to:
• Coverage: Pools are often considered “other structures” on your property. Most policies will cover them for perils like fire, storm damage, or vandalism, but coverage may be capped.
• Liability Risk: Pools dramatically increase your liability exposure. If someone is injured, even if they used the pool without your permission, you could still be held responsible. Some insurers may require additional liability coverage or specific safety features like fences and locking gates.
Sheds and Gazebos: Small Structures, Big Questions
A shed might seem minor, but if you store expensive tools, lawn equipment, or bikes inside, you’ll want to confirm coverage. Gazebos, pergolas, and other outdoor structures also typically fall under “other structures” coverage, which is usually 10 percent of your dwelling coverage.
For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, your gazebo and shed combined may only be covered for $30,000. If replacement costs exceed that, you’re left paying the rest out of pocket.
Trampolines: The Coverage Killer
Few backyard items raise red flags for insurers like trampolines. Some policies exclude them entirely due to the high risk of injury. Others allow them but only if specific safety conditions, such as netting and secure placement, are met. In some cases, owning a trampoline without disclosing it can even void parts of your liability coverage.
End-of-Summer Bargains Can Become Expensive Mistakes
As Labor Day nears closer, stores are advertising end-of-summer discounts on those big-ticket items and it is tempting to bring one home while the price is right, particularly if you’ve been admiring them all summer or waiting for the price to come down. But imagine setting it up, only to discover later that a storm, accident, or injury isn’t covered. That “great deal” could end up costing thousands of dollars.
What Homeowners Should Do Before Buying
Now that you understand what you could be getting into, there are several things you can do if you’ve weighed the risk and still want to move forward.
The main ones are:
1. Check your policy Review your declarations page to see what “other structures” are covered and at what limits. Make notes of this and compare it to the cost of the item you’re considering.
2. Call your insurance agent Ask directly if your new pool, trampoline, or gazebo would be covered under your existing policy or if you need to add additional coverage.
3. Consider increasing liability coverage Umbrella policies or higher liability limits may be necessary if you’re adding higher-risk features, which may be worth it to you.
4. Document everything Save receipts, take photos, and notify your insurer when you add major backyard items. Take photos of the installation and noted safety features.
5. Hire licensed and insured contractors For structures like sheds or gazebos, using reputable installers helps avoid headaches with claims later.
Why It Matters in Florida and Beyond
If you’re in a storm-prone state like Florida, choosing materials and contractors who understand hurricane codes is critical. For example, a gazebo that isn’t anchored to code may not withstand strong winds and insurers may deny coverage if it doesn’t meet local building requirements. Working with professionals who know regional weather patterns ensures your investment is protected.
Backyard upgrades bring joy, but they also bring responsibility. Before you buy that “can’t-miss” end-of-season or Labor Day deal, double-check your homeowner’s insurance coverage. You don’t want your pool, shed, or trampoline to be a financial drain instead of a fun addition.
At Educational Services & Consulting, we offer the best certification for the Accredited Claims Adjuster designation and the Registered Customer Service Representative designation. Our affordable online courses offer the most flexibility so you can prepare for your certification. For more information please call 1-800-309-2549 or peruse through our frequently asked questions section on our website.