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Every property owner needs homeowners insurance coverage. Unfortunately, buying homeowners insurance with a pool can be a little more complicated and expensive. This guide will explain what property owners need to know, as well as take a look at three of the best insurance companies to offer homeowners insurance pool coverage.
- Allstate
- Travelers
- Nationwide
How does having a swimming pool affect your homeowners insurance?
As any homeowners insurance guide will explain, homeowners need complete protection against loss. That means property owners purchasing homeowners insurance with a pool must take into account a couple of factors associated with owning a swimming pool.
Specifically, homeowners need to make sure their dwelling coverage or their "other structures" coverage protects their pool if something happens to it. Homeowners need insurance that will pay to repair or replace the pool in case of covered damage. There are a few types of insurance that could offer protection.
- Dwelling coverage pays for the home itself. Some insurers consider the pool part of the home and cover it under dwelling coverage.
- "Other structures" coverage protects structures detached from the home. This could include a pool or a shed.
- For homeowners with an above-ground pool, some insurers classify the pool as personal property. This would mean personal property coverage provides the pool insurance for home.
Property owners buying home insurance with a pool also need to take into account the added liability associated with a swimming pool. This means buying more liability homeowners insurance pool coverage in case someone is injured in the pool.
How much is homeowners insurance with a pool?
The cost of homeowners insurance varies based on many factors. But homeowners insurance with a pool is generally priced a bit higher than the typical cost of home insurance.
This is because of the added risk the pool presents. An insurer would have to pay to repair or replace the pool if a problem arises. Or they'd have to cover a claim for injuries if someone is hurt at the pool.
When insurers take on more risk, they charge higher homeowners insurance premiums. This is why adding pool insurance coverage can make a policy more expensive.
Do you need more liability insurance coverage with a swimming pool?
When buying home insurance with a pool, it is a good idea to buy more liability coverage. That's because a pool is considered an "attractive nuisance." If someone comes onto the property because of the pool and is injured, they could sue.
Visitors can make claims for any pool-related injuries. This could include drowning. It could include accidents from diving or running on the pool deck. It could also include injuries due to pool equipment.
The standard homeowners insurance liability protection may not be enough to protect against all potential losses. That's why the Insurance Information Institute recommends buying added liability coverage.
The Insurance Information Institute also suggests purchasing umbrella home insurance. This is a separate policy from homeowners insurance with a pool. It provides liability protection above and beyond what homeowners insurance covers.
A standard home insurance policy might provide $50,000 in liability protection. But if a property owner purchased an additional umbrella policy, it could cover damage claims above that $50,000. The umbrella policy would provide coverage up to its own policy limits.
Best insurance companies for homes with pools
The best insurance companies for homes with pools include the following.
Allstate
Allstate charges a smaller premium for a swimming pool than many competitors. Prices were below the national average. Allstate also provides many customizable coverage options. Discounts are also available, including for multi-policy discounts.
Allstate offers personal umbrella insurance so pool owners who opt for umbrella protection can get it from the same insurer.
Travelers
Travelers is less expensive than many competitors when buying homeowners insurance with a pool. Although the insurer's customer service ratings are below some competitors, homeowners with pools will find a lot of value in the company's affordable, customizable coverage.
Nationwide
Nationwide's premiums for a home with a pool are very competitive. Nationwide not only boasts cheap prices but also has fewer complaints than many insurers of a similar size. Policies are available throughout much of the United States. Nationwide also offers some unique coverage options including extended replacement cost if rebuilding a property costs more than anticipated.
RELATED: Did you know that Nationwide offers life insurance? Check out The Ascent's Nationwide Life Insurance review.
Does home insurance cover pool damage?
Home insurance generally covers damage to the swimming pool, though homeowners need to disclose the pool when applying for coverage. Insurance may cover the pool under:
- Dwelling coverage: Some insurers treat the pool as part of the dwelling.
- Other structures coverage: This is common for inground pools.
- Personal property coverage: Some insurers treat above-ground pools as personal property
Homeowners who want to know, "Does home insurance cover pool damage?" should read their policy to find out what type of coverage applies to their pool. Generally, pool damage is covered only if it occurs as a result of a covered loss. This could include a fire or a tree falling.
Coverage for above-ground pools vs. in-ground pools
Home insurance for both above-ground and in-ground pools must provide liability protection. That means homeowners need to make sure they've purchased enough liability pool insurance to protect their assets in the event of an accident.
Protecting the pool itself is also important. The type of home insurance that covers damage to the pool may vary depending on whether it's above or in-ground. For example, while dwelling or other structures coverage usually protects against losses to an in-ground pool, an above-ground pool is more likely to be covered by other structures coverage or personal property coverage.
Swimming pool insurance requirements
When buying home insurance with a pool, property owners generally need to fulfill certain requirements. For example, insurers usually mandate the pool be securely fenced. This reduces the risk of injury.
FAQs
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Homeowners insurance is typically more expensive with a pool. That's because property owners need to protect the pool itself. This may mean buying more "other structures" coverage. Or it could mean buying more personal property protection. Setting higher coverage limits increases insurance costs.
Pools also increase the risk of an accident or injury. Homeowners should buy more liability coverage to protect against these losses. Buying more liability protection results in higher premiums. Insurers also charge more because of the added chance of a claim.
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The premium increase for homeowners insurance with a pool varies depending on a number of factors, including the cost of the pool and the amount of liability insurance purchased. Homeowners should shop around and get several quotes to make sure they pay the most affordable price for home insurance with a pool.
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Most homeowners policies cover swimming pools. A pool may be covered under dwelling coverage or other structures coverage. This is common for in-ground pools. An above-ground pool may be covered under these policy provisions. Or it may be covered under personal property protection.
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It's important to make sure dwelling, personal property, or "other structures" coverage protects against damage to the pool. Homeowners should read the fine print on their policies. And they should ensure the coverage limits for dwelling, other structures, or personal property coverage are high enough.
When buying homeowners insurance with a pool, property owners may want to get added liability coverage. This is advisable because a pool is an attractive nuisance. It increases the risk of injury that could result in a liability claim.
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Whether removing a pool decreases home value depends on many factors. This includes the condition of the pool. Removing a damaged or older pool could increase a home's value.
It also depends on local conditions. In some areas, such as Florida, a pool is often considered an attractive feature. Removing one could hurt property values. But in other parts of the country, a pool is less desirable. Fewer homeowners may want to buy a home with a pool in a cold climate. That's especially true as homeowners insurance with a pool can be more expensive.
Our Insurance Expert
Christy Bieber is a full-time personal finance and legal writer with more than a decade of experience. She has a JD from UCLA as well as a degree in English, Media and Communications with a Certificate in Business Management from the University of Rochester. In addition to writing for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, her work has also been featured regularly on MSN Money, CNBC, and USA Today. She also ghost writes textbooks, serves as a subject matter expert for online course design, and is a former college instructor.
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