Your home will change over time, especially as your children grow up, which alter your homeowners insurance policy. Adding pools, trampolines, and playgrounds offer a chance to bond with your kids and have fun all at once, but these additions are considered attractive nuisances and can affect your insurance premiums. 

What Are Attractive Nuisances?

Attractive nuisances are items that entice children while also presenting a dangerous risk. Homeowners insurance plans consider playgrounds, pools, and trampolines in this category.

If someone is hurt or worse as a result of using the attractive nuisance, the homeowner would be held responsible. This is the case for guests and trespassers alike. 

How Do They Affect Homeowners Insurance?

Insurance plans measure risk. The higher the risk, the higher the rates. Since attractive nuisances present a danger, having one on your property will increase your homeowners insurance rates. The increase will depend on the liability and safety features active on your current plan. 

Since every plan is different, consult your insurance agent before making any additions. They will explain how much of a difference you’ll see in your premiums and suggest ways to mitigate the risk. 

How Can You Keep Your Rates Low? 

By taking safety precautions, you can decrease the risk presented by the attractive nuisance. Depending on the plan, your premiums will be reduced by adding the appropriate safety features.

Cover your pool when it’s not in use and store related toys to deter children. When it is in use, make sure your children are supervised at all times. Keep a life ring and first aid kit nearby. Build a fence that’s at least four feet high and structured in a way that makes it difficult to climb. Install a lock on the fence that has an audible alarm to scare off trespassers. 

Home playgrounds are very common and easy to secure. The swings should be spaced 24 inches apart and 30 inches from the frame. If you have a toddler, they should use a bucket seat that’s separated from the regular swings. Since falls can still happen, set down shock-absorbing surfaces like sand, pea gravel, or wood chips in a six feet radius from the playground. 

If you have a trampoline, use the same shock-absorbing flooring as you would for a playground or add padding to the outer perimeter. Place the trampoline on an even surface, so it doesn’t falter. Install a safety net to catch children and prevent falls. 

Changes to your homeowners insurance can be challenging to understand and costly without the right agent behind you. As an independent insurance company, Cundiff & Company Insurance, Inc. will compare the rates of multiple providers to find the policy you need at a price you can afford. With over 40 years of experience, their agents will answer your questions and guide you through the process. For more information on their comprehensive coverage areas, visit them online. If you’re in the Somerset, KY, area, call (606) 679-8379 for a free quote.