A swimming pool is a coveted luxury for many homeowners, but it can also be a liability. If you’re purchasing a home with an in-ground pool or thinking of having one built on your property, consult with your homeowners insurance provider to find out how it will affect your policy. As a leading provider of home, life, car, and commercial plans in Monroe, NC, Tammy Ross Insurance is well-versed in the complexities of homeowners insurance. Here, they shed light on coverage for in-ground pools.

As with other outdoor fixtures like trampolines, a pool can present complex liability challenges. As the pool’s owner, you may be held liable for injuries to anyone who uses it, even if they did not have permission. Luckily, your policy can protect you from exorbitant fees should someone become injured while using your pool.

Most policies provide liability insurance of up to $100,000 for pool-related injuries, but some companies recommend homeowners increase their coverage to as much as $500,000. Doing so safeguards your savings and prevents you from paying legal fees, hospital bills, and other accident costs out of pocket.

Additionally, it’s crucial to find out whether your insurance company considers an in-ground pool an external structure. If so, you’ll need to specifically declare your pool in your homeowners insurance policy, as you might a shed or a similar detached structure. In most policies, detached structures are only covered for up to 10% of your home’s replacement value. In some instances, this may cover the full value of a pool replacement. Other homeowners may wish to purchase additional coverage to ensure they’ll be reimbursed for replacing their pool.

While it’s rare for pools to become seriously damaged, protecting yourself against uncontrollable circumstances, including potential injuries, is crucial to achieving peace of mind. To learn more about how you can include an in-ground pool in your homeowners insurance policy, call Tammy Ross Insurance at (704) 233-497-4981. You can also visit the company online for additional information.