As the temperatures climb in Lancaster and Baltimore, many of us are busy uncovering the pool and prepping the patio for summer BBQs. Before the first cannonball hits the water, make sure your homeowners’ insurance is ready. Learn how to protect your pool, guests, and assets this summer.
1. The Liability “Safety Net”
Most standard Home Insurance policies include a baseline of liability coverage. This is what protects you if a guest is injured on your property. However, with a pool, the stakes are higher.
The Recommendation: Most experts suggest increasing your liability limits to at least $300,000 or $500,000 if you own a pool.
The Umbrella Option: For ultimate peace of mind, an Umbrella Insurance policy provides an extra layer of protection (usually $1 million or more) that kicks in after your home policy is exhausted.
2. Safety Requirements & Your Premium
Insurance carriers often have specific requirements to ensure your pool is as safe as possible. Failing to meet these could result in a denied claim or a canceled policy.
Fencing: Most carriers (and local PA/MD ordinances) require a fence at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Diving Boards & Slides: Be aware that some insurers may exclude coverage for injuries related to diving boards or slides, or they may refuse to insure homes that have them.
Maintenance: Ensure your pool deck is non-slip and free of tripping hazards to prevent the most common “slip and fall” claims.
3. Don’t Forget the “Physical Damage”
Liability isn’t the only concern. What happens if a severe summer storm knocks a tree onto your pool or destroys your expensive filtration system?
Other Structures: Typically, your pool is covered under “Coverage B” (Other Structures) of your homeowners policy. It is worth checking to see if your current limit is high enough to replace the pool and surrounding deck in the event of a total loss.
Enjoy the Summer with Confidence
At HomeSale Insurance Services, we want you to enjoy your summer without worrying about “what ifs.” Whether you are installing a new pool this year or just opening up an old favorite, we can review your current policy to ensure you have the right protection at the best possible rate.
Call us today at 1-800-425-5130 or visit our website at www.homesaleinsurance.com
