Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, including ensuring the safety of others on your property. Certain features, known as “attractive nuisances,” can pose significant risks, particularly to children, including those who trespass. Understanding what these are and how to protect against related liabilities is crucial. This blog will review common attractive nuisances and explain how liability insurance and additional umbrella coverage can safeguard you. 

What Is an Attractive Nuisance? 

An attractive nuisance is a property feature that can attract children and pose a danger to them. These features are “attractive” in the sense that they may entice your children and sometimes neighborhood children to use them, often without supervision. Property owners can be held liable if a child is injured by one of these nuisances, even in cases where the child was trespassing. 

Below, we’ll list common examples of these nuisances, along with the risks they pose and some suggested means of protecting against those risks. Note that in many cases, your insurance carrier will have their own protection requirements for these property features for you to be considered eligible for coverage.

1. Swimming Pools

• Risks: Drowning, slipping, and diving accidents.
• Protection: Install a secure fence with a locking gate around the pool, use pool covers, and install alarms. 

2. Trampolines

• Risks: Falls, collisions, and improper landings.
• Protection: Use safety nets, padding, and ensure adult supervision. 

3. Play Equipment

• Risks: Falls, entrapment, and equipment failure.
• Protection: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment, use soft ground materials like mulch or rubber mats. 

4. Construction Sites

• Risks: Falls, sharp tools, and hazardous materials.
• Protection: Secure the area with fencing, post warning signs, and store tools and materials safely. 

5. Abandoned Appliances or Vehicles

• Risks: Suffocation, cuts, and crushing injuries.
• Protection: Remove or securely lock away any abandoned items. 

Liability Insurance and Attractive Nuisances 

Having the right insurance coverage is essential to protect yourself from potential liabilities associated with attractive nuisances. 

• Personal Liability Coverage: This part of your homeowners insurance can cover legal fees and medical expenses if someone is injured on your property. Ensure your policy has adequate coverage limits.
• Medical Payments Coverage: Another part of your homeowners policy, this covers minor medical expenses for someone injured on your property, regardless of fault. 

While homeowners insurance provides a basic level of protection, umbrella insurance offers an extra layer of security. In this case, the additional liability coverage would kick in once your homeowners insurance policy limits are exhausted. To learn more about this added protection, check out our blog, “What Is Umbrella Insurance (and Why Should I Bundle It?)” 

By understanding common attractive nuisances and implementing protective measures like fences and secure locks, you can better prevent injuries. However, even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. Having adequate insurance coverage can provide essential financial protection and peace of mind. Let’s review your policies and make sure you’re getting The Right Insurance for the Right Price. Contact us today to get started!