Many of us love the idea of turning our backyards into an
inviting oasis where the kids can let loose while the adults unwind. Who
wouldn’t want to kick back and listen to the happy squeals of their kids as
they splash in the pool, bounce on the trampoline or swing higher on the
swings?
Play it Safe
It’s important to take an inventory of your backyard and
identify potential risks. Your insurance agent can help you determine what
liabilities you have and what coverage limits are best for your specific
situation. It’s about the peace of mind knowing you, your family (and the
neighborhood kids) are protected if something happened.
It’s important to understand that swimming pools and
trampolines are known as an “attractive nuisance.” In other
words, you may have something that’s kept outside that could tempt a child to
sneak into your yard and use it. If that kid ends up getting hurt or worse, you
could be held liable, even if they were trespassing.
Bottom line, there are many situations where if someone
gets hurt at your home, you’re financially responsible for his or her injuries. To protect yourself, talk to your
agent. Understand what is covered under your homeowners policy and what isn’t,
and consider an umbrella policy for more liability coverage for
your backyard enhancements.
In addition, take a few extra steps to protect your
family and your visitors. We’ll walk through some of the most common
causes of backyard accidents and what homeowners can do to protect their
families, their guests and their finances — without sacrificing the fun factor.
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story