Do I need insurance for my swimming pool?
In New York, the time to get a swimming pool installed usually runs from April to October.
Whether you recently installed one or are currently on a waiting list for your installation, you may be wondering:
Do I need special insurance if I install a swimming pool
There are a few parts to this answer so I will break them each down.
No, you do not need special coverage to HAVE a swimming pool. Your homeowner’s insurance covers you in the event an injury happens and you are responsible under your personal liability coverage.
Now as much as it isn’t required to carry special coverage, having a swimming pool is a major liability hazard and is a trigger where we suggest that you get an Umbrella Policy.
An Umbrella policy will give you another layer of liability protection that will protect you in case there is a major accident or injury and you are held responsible.
Umbrella insurance policies cost around $200 a year for $1,000,000 in liability protection.
Insurance Rating
Some home insurance companies have separate underwriting and or rating if you have a pool. These are usually concerns when you are first taking out a policy.
These concerns include:
- Is the pool fenced?
- Do you have a diving board?
- Do you have a slide?
- Above ground or Inground?
Inground pools are required to have fencing with self-latching gates. If that is not the case, that could cause some issues with your insurance company.
What should I do?
If you are starting to think about getting a pool it is important to discuss with your insurance agent the things to look for in regards to your home insurance.
Know what your liability limit is, and what the cost would be to raise that or to add an Umbrella policy.
Also, make sure if you are putting in a diving board or slide that it is acceptable with your current insurance company. We don’t see too many company’s that have issues with diving boards but we do with slides.
If you don’t have a relationship with an agent or want a review of your insurance then click the button below to schedule a review with one of our trusted insurance advisors.
