For most of our customers, summertime is the best time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. No matter how humble or grandiose your yard may be, having some outdoor space where your family can gather during the summer months can take a warm day from good to great.
There are so many ways to make your yard a slice of paradise for the whole family to enjoy. From installing a fire pit to putting up a basketball hoop, the options are endless (especially when you love Pinterest, like we do - you can find our Backyard board here!). Adding new features and toys to your home can increase its value and its fun factor - but don’t forget to check if your new addition could affect your insurance.
We’ve rounded up some easy and common backyard DIYs you may want to try, and we’ve examined how they may affect your insurance coverage. If you’re unsure about whether a new backyard feature is covered by your current policy, be sure to give your agent a call - better safe than sorry!
The perfect backyard accessory for cool summer nights is a fire pit. With so many easy DIYs on Pinterest, it’s a wonder not everyone has one! When you consider the rules and regulations of some cities and towns, you can find a quick answer as to why many people do not have fire pits in their yards, but for those who can have them, they make an excellent addition.
Before building your fire pit, make sure to brush up on your town’s fire code. This is essential in keeping your family safe and keeping your fireside enjoyment within the law. It’s also important for your insurance coverage. If it’s not within code to have one, it’s likely your insurance will not cover it.
Depending on whether your fire pit is a permanent fixture or not, it will either be covered under your policy’s contents coverage or your unattached structure coverage if it is permanent. Keep in mind that items covered under your unattached structure coverage may only receive a percentage of your policy’s limits, so check to make sure you have enough coverage, should your fire get damaged.
Having a fire in the backyard can be dangerous. You’ll want to check in on your liability coverage and ask your agent if your policy will cover any possible liability complications related to a fire pit. Should someone injure themselves around the fire, you’ll be glad you did your research.
Swing Set
This family classic is fun for the whole family. If your kids have been begging you for one, there are some things to consider when it comes to insurance. First, ensure that your swing set is in new or like-new condition, and if possible have it professionally installed so you (and your insurer) know it is secure.
You’ll also want to make sure your insurance agent knows you are installing a swing set so you can be sure your policy will cover it. Your agent can also help you review your policy to see if you have enough liability coverage for the risk a swing set can pose - a tumble off the monkey bars could lead to a broken bone and some hospital bills.
Adding a fountain or water feature to your backyard garden can make a huge impact in creating the oasis you’ve always wanted. The soothing sound of falling water will make evenings spent outside even more relaxing - and you can relax knowing that your water feature or fountain is likely covered by your homeowners insurance.
Like a fire pit, the fountain itself would be covered by either your contents coverage if it easily moveable or temporary, or it would be covered by your other structures coverage if it is a permanent structure in your yard. These coverages would cover damage from a covered cause, but beware that damage from freezing may not be covered. Check your homeowners policy to be sure you understand what damages are covered.
We’ve found some amazing bar creations on Pinterest that are just one string of tiki lights away from a tropical getaway and there are many enviable outdoor kitchens on there, too. Dining or drinking al fresco is a great way to enjoy the summer weather. Building an outdoor kitchen or bar ensures your yard is the spot to hang this summer.
Like any time you host a party where alcohol is served, be sure to check that you have adequate liability coverage, should something happen to one of your guests. As always, make sure guests do not drive drunk after spending time at your home, for their safety, the safety of others on the road, and your liability risk exposure.
Sources:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2013/05/10/gardener-guide-to-home-insurance.html
https://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/home-insurance/ask-agent-fire-pit.aspx