I have an in ground pool in my own back yard and we absolutely love it. It's great being the house that all my kids' friends want to go to. But, does it increase my insurance premiums? Not necessarily, although it probably should. I'll explain why in just a moment. First, let's look at what an insurance company wants if you do have a pool. The biggest thing they want is a fenced enclosure around the entire pool. They want to be sure that anyone who enters the pool intended to enter the pool. Also to keep animals and small children from wandering into the pool. It's usually not a case of a premium increase, it's a yes or no question. If you do what they want(fence), they'll usually insure you with no increases. If you don't do what they want, they'll just refuse to insure you.
Now, why would your premium increase? Because a pool brings more liability along with it. Bad things can happen even if you take precautions. I would recommend liability limits of at least $500,000 and, usually at least a $1,000,000 umbrella policy. Doing this may cost you a little more but it's well worth it. It may be as little as $85/year or it may be a little more depending on your home, cars, and family.
Be smart, spend small dollars now to avoid big dollars later.
Agency Owner, The Thomas G Sheehan Agency, 27 Glen Road Sandy Hook, CT 06482
An in-ground pool in and of itself doesn't cause an increase in Homeowners' premium, however, it does vastly increase your liability exposure. Here in Connecticut, local building departments have very specific requirements with respect to fencing around an in ground pool and the gate mechanisms as well. Gates must be self latching for exampla, and fencing needs to be a certain height. Check with your building department about those requirements. Next talk to your Insurance Professional about the terms and conditions of your Homeowners' policy and specifically about the amount of Liability protection it provides. It would be smart to increase that protection within your Homeowners' policy and to also talk about adding the extra protection of a Personal Umbrella Liability policy to your insurance plans. These are usually available in amounts of $1 million and up and are very reasonably priced for the added protection and peace of mind that they provide.
Chief Executive Officer, Coastal Homeowners Insurance Solutions, Rocky Point, NY 11778
Good Question! In NY, and on Long Island, most insurance companies will not increase your premium because you have a pool on the premises. Some insurance companies will not insure the home if you have a slide, diving board or if the pool is not surrounded by a gate with a locking mechanism. The short answer is no having a pool that is up to code will not increase your insurance premium. Hope this answer helps!
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Now, why would your premium increase? Because a pool brings more liability along with it. Bad things can happen even if you take precautions. I would recommend liability limits of at least $500,000 and, usually at least a $1,000,000 umbrella policy. Doing this may cost you a little more but it's well worth it. It may be as little as $85/year or it may be a little more depending on your home, cars, and family.
Be smart, spend small dollars now to avoid big dollars later.