Home Insurance
Trampolines and homeowners insurance in North Carolina
Trampolines are one of the most common reasons for homeowners insurance surcharges and cancellations in NC. Here is what your carrier actually does, and what liability coverage you need.
Get a Home Insurance QuoteCall (919) 249-8448What NC homeowners carriers do with trampolines
Surcharge
Many carriers add a surcharge to your premium when a trampoline is disclosed, the most common outcome.
Require safety conditions
Full enclosure netting, proper clearance, and lockable access are common conditions for insuring a home with a trampoline.
Exclude entirely
Some carriers exclude trampoline-related injuries from liability coverage completely. You keep the policy but have no coverage for trampoline claims.
Cancel or non-renew
A small number of carriers will cancel or non-renew a policy when a trampoline is discovered or disclosed.
The attractive nuisance liability exposure
NC courts have applied the attractive nuisance doctrine to trampolines. The doctrine holds that landowners can be liable for injuries to children who trespass to access something that is inherently attractive and dangerous.
A neighborhood child who wanders into your yard and is injured on your trampoline, without your invitation, can create real liability for you as the homeowner. This is not a theoretical risk. Trampoline-related injuries account for approximately 100,000 emergency room visits per year nationally.
Safety measures that can help
Full enclosure netting, required by most carriers
Proper clearance from fences and structures
Padded spring covers in good condition
Lockable access, keep it locked when not in use
One person at a time rules enforced
Adult supervision for younger children
Safety measures reduce injury risk and can satisfy carrier requirements, but they do not eliminate the need for proper liability coverage.
Liability coverage recommendation
| Situation | Recommended minimum |
|---|---|
| Trampoline, rural property, no neighboring children | $300,000 homeowners liability |
| Trampoline, suburban neighborhood with children | $300,000–$500,000 + umbrella |
| Trampoline and pool, suburban neighborhood | $500,000 homeowners + $1M+ umbrella |
Cooper's take
Trampolines are a genuinely elevated liability risk, and the carriers who surcharge or exclude them are pricing real data. The injury rate is high and the severity of injuries, particularly spinal injuries from improper landings, is significant.
If you have a trampoline, disclose it, meet any safety requirements your carrier sets, and make sure your liability limits are appropriate. Hiding a trampoline to avoid a surcharge is not a strategy, it is a way to have a claim denied when you most need it paid.
Cooper Parsons, NC License #19272643
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover trampolines in North Carolina?
It depends on the carrier. Many NC homeowners carriers will insure a home with a trampoline but add a surcharge. Some require safety netting and enclosures as a condition of coverage. A few carriers exclude trampolines entirely, meaning no liability coverage for trampoline-related injuries. You must disclose a trampoline when applying for or renewing a homeowners policy, failing to do so can void coverage for any related claim.
Does the attractive nuisance doctrine apply to trampolines in NC?
Yes. NC courts have applied the attractive nuisance doctrine to trampolines. A child who wanders into your yard and is injured on your trampoline, without your invitation, can create liability for you as the homeowner. Being a trespasser does not eliminate the homeowner's potential liability when an attractive nuisance is involved.
What do NC homeowners carriers require for trampolines?
Requirements vary by carrier. Common conditions include: full enclosure netting on all sides, adequate clearance from fences and other structures, manufacturer-recommended padding over the springs, and a lockable access point. Some carriers require that the trampoline be moved off the property entirely as a condition of coverage. Know what your specific carrier requires, don't assume you are covered without confirming.
What happens if I don't disclose my trampoline to my NC homeowners carrier?
Failing to disclose a trampoline is a material misrepresentation on your policy application. If a trampoline-related claim occurs and the carrier discovers the trampoline was never disclosed, they may deny the claim and potentially cancel the policy. The surcharge for disclosing a trampoline is almost always less expensive than being without coverage when a claim happens.
What liability limits do I need if I have a trampoline in NC?
At minimum, $300,000 in homeowners liability coverage is advisable if you have a trampoline with children in the neighborhood. An umbrella policy of $1 million or more above that is a reasonable addition given the liability exposure. Trampoline injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, can generate significant medical expenses and legal claims, particularly when children are involved.
Written & Reviewed By
Cooper Parsons
Owner & Licensed Independent Insurance Agent
NC License #19272643 · IronHaven Insurance · Wake Forest, NC · 25+ carriers
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Wake Forest, NC · Home & Auto
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Wake Forest, NC · Home Insurance
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