An above ground pool is always a hit for kids and adults alike. However, it also poses an added risk for flooding, drowning, and other potential injuries. This is why insurance companies always keep their eyes peeled for homes with above ground pool.
If your home has an above ground pool, you may be wondering if it has an effect on your insurance premium. You may even have second thoughts about the insurability of the property. Find out more about the effect of an above ground pool on your homeowners insurance in this article.
The Risk of an Above Ground Pool
Flood and Mold
If the water from the above ground pool spills, flooding may occur. It may even result in mold formation since the water can remain stagnant if untreated. Flooding can cause damage to property and molds pose a serious danger to health. If this occurs, the homeowner may file for an insurance claim if their above ground pool is part of the coverage.
Drowning
Swimming pools will always pose this kind of threat. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths, which is why more insurance companies are becoming wary of residential pools. According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 50% of drowning incidents have occurred in residential pools. The cost of treating near-drowning victims may reach $250,000 if long-term care is required.
The Effect of an Above Ground Pool on the Insurance Premium
You may be wondering now if your above ground pool is covered by your insurance policy. Since above ground pools are part of your yard, it is likely that it is covered by your insurance policy. However, insurance companies may put an exclusion clause that removes the pool as part of the coverage. In this case, you may need to get additional coverage for your pool and your premium will go up.
If you already have an existing insurance policy on your home and you have decided to build an above ground pool, you will have to disclose this to your insurance company. Otherwise, it may cause cancellation of your policy or your claims will not be entertained.
Standard Homeowners Insurance
As discussed above, standard homeowners insurance may cover for above ground pools. However, some insurance providers treat above ground pools as personal property. This means that the insurance coverage for the above ground pool should be separated because the above ground pool is considered to be a separate entity.
Water Damage and Flood Insurance
This topic can be a bit trickier since water damage insurance is usually another form of insurance. Insurance claims due to flood will also require an explicit statement for valid coverage. The limits and validity of the coverage may be dependent on the insurance company, which is why it is best to discuss the terms with them.
Liability Insurance
If there is one advice that you should take when it comes to above ground pool is that you should get an umbrella liability protection. This is because the limit of your insurance policy may not be enough to cover the damages related to an above ground pool.
Conclusion
When it comes to above ground pools, the key is to read the contract from top to bottom. Moreover, it is important to be transparent with your insurance company and disclose any changes around your home. Since insurance policies have a certain limit for claims, it is best to apply for umbrella liability protection to widen the coverage and increase the limit for the liability.
