Summer has finally arrived in the greater Glens Falls region! School is out and July 4th celebrations are right around the corner. Vacations, barbeques, camping trips, long days spent on the lake, or afternoons poolside- it’s the time of year when we jump at any chance to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures.
But, more time outside taking advantage of the perks of living in the foothills of the Adirondacks can bring with it added safety risks. The same activities that are mainstays of the summer months – boating, swimming, outdoor play, camping, entertaining, traveling – can lead to increased injury and accident rates. In turn, you have an increased chance of needing to file an insurance claim.
No one wants their summer fun overshadowed by worries about what could happen. It’s important to make sure you and your loved ones are protected if the unexpected throws a wrench into your summer plans. Read on for tips to help you determine your summer coverage needs.
Swimming Pools
Many homeowners insurance policies have specific requirements around pool ownership, such as fencing and alarm guidelines, while some exclude pools entirely. While pools provide lots of warm-weather fun, they have a high potential for being the cause of injuries. Pool owners may be liable if a guest incurs costly medical expenses due to a pool-related incident.
Umbrella policies, which enhance coverage beyond the breadth of your existing homeowners policy, can be a smart choice for pool owners. Increasing the amount of liability coverage on your homeowners policy is another alternative.
Trampolines and Bounce Houses
Trampolines and bounce houses can be great additions to your kids’ outdoor play options. Often though, these types of recreational equipment aren’t covered under homeowners insurance policies. If they are covered, there may strict parameters around their use which can impact claims approval if not adhered to closely. This increases the likelihood you could be responsible for any medical costs associated with injuries from trampoline or bounce house use.
This is another instance where it may be in your best interest to purchase an umbrella policy. Before purchasing or renting a bounce house or trampoline, you’ll want to check to review your current coverage in detail and inform your insurance carrier if specified in your policy.
Boats
Boating can be a highlight of the summer season, especially with Lake George and the Hudson River in our backyard. Some homeowners insurance policies may extend to cover boats and other water crafts, but you’ll definitely want to double-check.
Depending on the type of boat you own, you may want to purchase a separate boat insurance policy regardless of the scope of your homeowners policy. This type of policy will cover you if your boat is lost, stolen, or damaged. It can also provide protection if someone is injured onboard your boat, or if your boat causes property damage. Some boat policies can be suspended during the seasons the boat isn’t in use, which helps to reduce the policy’s overall cost.
Travel and Vacation Rentals
Summer getaways can generate a host of insurance considerations. What does your existing car insurance policy cover if you get into an accident while driving a rental vehicle? What’s the extent of your homeowners policy if you rent out a property you own to others as a vacation rental? And if injuries or property damage occurs while your staying in a rental, who’s liable?
These are just a few of the questions you’ll want to explore before you hit the road or offer your home out to vacationers. The answers will vary based on a number of situational circumstances, and it may be really helpful to reach out to your local insurance agency for guidance.
O’Brien Insurance Can Help!
Contact the knowledgeable agents at O’Brien Insurance for insight into how to have a fun-filled summer, free of insurance concerns.
