Swimming pools are a luxurious feature that many homeowners have in their backyards for the summer. They’re great for keeping cool in the heat and entertaining your friends and family.
As fun as pools can be, they are also dangerous if you’re not careful. That’s why Virginia requires you to get your pool insured during its construction.
Getting your pool insured is easier than you think. Most insurance companies will add it to your homeowner’s insurance plan.
Types of Coverage
There are two ways your swimming pool can get covered within your plan, and it depends on the type of pool it is.
- In-ground and above-ground pools that are permanently installed into your landscape typically fall under “other structures” coverage. This is a blanket coverage in your homeowner’s insurance policy that protects structures detached from your home.
- Smaller pools that are portable or not held down into your property will usually be protected by personal property coverage.
Both of these types of coverage will protect your pool in case it gets damaged by unpredictable events. These “covered perils” include acts of nature such as a tree falling and breaking the concrete, a hurricane or a flood.
Depending on how much your pool is worth and what your policy limit is, you may want to tack on umbrella insurance to make sure your pool is fully covered in case it gets completely damaged.
Homeowner’s Insurance and Liability Coverage
Regardless of which category your swimming pool falls under, the most important coverage that it will receive is liability.
Liability protection is standard for a homeowner’s insurance policy and safeguards you from the financial responsibilities of someone getting injured on your property. In this case, it covers someone getting hurt while using your pool.
Liability insurance will cover any medical expenses, legal fees or other costs incurred from the event that led to an injury.
Safety Requirements
In Virginia, in order for your pool to gain insurance coverage it needs to adhere to several safety requirements. Your pool must have:
- A fence surrounding the pool area
- Lights around the pool for nighttime usage
- A non-skid diving board
- A lock on ladders for an above-ground pool
If you are missing one or any of these items, insurance companies may deny you the homeowner’s insurance coverage for your pool, or any claim from an accident you make could be denied due to negligence of not following these requirements.
It’s also a great idea to follow simple pool safety practices to minimize the chance of someone getting injured while using your pool (like installing ladders or not running nearby).
Get Pool Coverage with Sanford Insurance
If you’re thinking about installing a pool in your backyard or just finished breaking ground on one, it’s time to consider different insurance coverage options.
Sanford Insurance provides comprehensive homeowner’s insurance plans that include coverage for a swimming pool. As a trustworthy insurance provider for Richmond, VA, we’ll help you find a policy that fits your pool and property needs.
Contact us today and see if we can offer protection for your new pool.