Home Insurance: 3 Risks Your Current Policy May Not Cover

If you're a homeowner, you may wrongly assume that all injuries and claims that occur on your property will be fully covered by your home insurer. Unfortunately for you, assumptions can be dangerous and costly. Below are three risks that should not be assumed to be covered.

Dog Bites

While you might never expect your dog to bite, there are a number of unexpected circumstances which could lead to such a situation, so it's important to know what your policy covers and what it doesn't.

Home insurance companies are wary of dogs and, unfortunately, for good reason. The estimated cost of a dog bite claim was $32,072 in 2014 and with more than 68% of US households owning a pet, something has to give. So, whether you own a dog now or are considering adding one to your family, it's important to know what breeds (if any) are covered under your policy and how much coverage for a dog bite is available.

Trampolines

Between 2002 and 2011, more than 1 million people went to the emergency room for trampoline-related injuries. So while trampolines may seem like a fun new addition to your backyard, it's only fun until someone gets hurt.

If you're still considering a trampoline, even knowing the risks involved, there are a few things you can do to lessen the chances of filing a claim. For one, you could reserve the trampoline for immediate family only. When you or any other family members residing in your home are injured, home insurance isn't required to pay out – instead, that's the job of your health insurance. To further prevent injury, you could also install a net around the trampoline and allow only bodies – no toys or other equipment – on to the trampoline while being used.

Swimming Pools

Before you have a pool installed in your backyard, it's important to know where your home insurance stands and what they will and will not cover.

Your standard home insurance policy may not cover pools, so you may need to increase your coverage prior to installation. Even then, you'll still be required to follow the guidelines set out by your home insurance company in order to be covered for any claims. The majority of policies require a fence around the pool, as no fence could lead to accidental drowning or injury of children or even trespassers. Other policies won't allow diving boards or other equipment, such as pool slides, so read very carefully and consult your agent with any questions.

To learn more about your home insurance coverage and whether certain risks are covered under your current policy, talk with a home insurance agent (like those at Reinard Insurance Agency Inc) immediately. 

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