Do you know if you need pool insurance? While many homeowners are familiar with what their policies cover, sometimes swimming pools can raise questions. For example, what's the difference between an above ground pool and an in-ground pool for insurance coverage?
Here are some of the most important things for homeowners with pools to know:
Are above-ground pools covered by homeowners insurance?
Many homeowners insurance providers consider an above-ground pool as part of your personal property, as long as there aren't any permanently installed structures attached. In these cases, the pool would be covered under the personal property coverage. However, personal property coverage might have a limit lower than the cost to replace or repair the pool.
If your above-ground pool is damaged or destroyed by anything on your policy's list of covered perils, such as a falling tree or lightning strike, it will be covered by insurance. If the pool breaks or collapses due to neglect or lack of maintenance, however, it won't be covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover an in-ground pool?
An in-ground pool on your property will usually be covered under the part of your homeowners insurance policy for dwellings and structures. Some insurance providers might require specific safety upgrades before they'll give you a policy, however. Some of these upgrades could include gated fences or safety lights surrounding the pool.
How does a pool impact liability coverage?
The liability component of your homeowner's policy typically covers medical expenses or lawsuits related to accidents in or around your pool. Since the personal liability limit can vary from one policy to the next, many homeowners prefer to get an additional umbrella policy for extra financial protection in case of pool-related injuries.
Understanding the details of what the different parts of your homeowners insurance cover will help you make sound financial decisions - and have greater peace of mind. If you have a pool, or intend to get one, keep these facts in mind and remember to discuss them thoroughly with your insurance provider.
About the Author
Carolyn Andrews
Carolyn Andrews has over 30 years licensed Brokerage experience in both California and Colorado. Born in England, Carolyn moved to California in 1980, then relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1991. Carolyn has also received recognition for Top Sales at RE/MAX Alliance Aurora in 2007-2008 and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Chairman’s Club, as well as a recipient of the ReMax Lifetime Achievement Award. Carolyn has sold over 2000 homes personally in her career. Carolyn has been actively involved in many aspects of the Real Estate business including investment property, luxury homes, mountain resort property, skiin/ski out, REO/default management, loss mitigation, valuations, and disposition. She has been a speaker and panelist at several conferences and has been consulted on many occasions by various organizations in the REO/financial industries for her expertise and served on many boards. She has attended numerous ongoing classes to stay abreast of changes in the ever-evolving Real Estate industry. She is the prior State Director for Colorado for VAREP(Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals). She is a member of 3 boards of Realtors including Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Summit County mountain areas. She heads up The Andrews Group and is or has been an active member of NAR, CAR,REOMAC, CIPS, CRS, AREAA, NAPW, NAHREP, and is an original member of the ELITEReal Estate network. She was ranked #1 for most homes sold in Denver 2007 by Denver Board of Realtors, #2 for 2008, and #2 for 2009, #5 in 2010 and #4 in 2011 and has been consistently in the top 10 ever since. Carolyn Andrews has been a top rated Endorsed Local Provider for the Dave Ramsey Organization and also a Top Producing agent for 2018 for the Homelight Company.
