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
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
