All children love a treehouse. Whiling away those hazy days of summer playing up in the branches of a beautiful old tree is a memory we as adults cherish. When you’re a child, you don’t tend to worry too much about the safety aspect of a treehouse; however, as a responsible adult, the question of getting insurance is pertinent.
A study in Academic Emergency Medicine found that over a 17 year period, an estimated 47,351 people under 19 years of age received emergency department treatment for treehouse-related injuries. This works out as less than 2,800 young people per year.
The most commonly sustained injuries were fractures and the upper extremities were the most widely injured body part. The odds of sustaining a head injury were increased in children under five. Even though these figures don’t show many injuries in terms of numbers of children, it’s a good idea to look at the possibility of insuring your treehouse should the worst happen.
When you’re considering whether you need to purchase insurance for your treehouse, you need to consult with your independent insurance agency. Be ready to tell them the value of the treehouse. This is whatever you paid a company to build it, or how much the cost of replacement would be to you. Often, treehouses are insured as accessory structures, the same category in which gazebos and sheds are placed.
Generally speaking, your standard homeowner’s insurance should help cover any treehouse-related injuries. But check with your insurance agent to know for sure. However, should your treehouse be damaged accidentally, you could find yourself responsible for the repairs.
Keep in mind that as these structures come under the category known as “attractive nuisance.” A treehouse is potentially dangerous as it increases the risk of injury. This means your home insurance could go up as a result.
It’s best practice to speak with your insurance agency before you even build a treehouse. This ensures you’re not in violation of your policy agreement. It’s crucial to note that if someone in your household sustains an injury that’s related to your treehouse, they must file a claim on health insurance. Alternatively, they need to pay out-of-pocket for any medical expenses. If, however, anyone else is hurt in your treehouse, you’re the person that’s liable.
When constructing your treehouse, it’s therefore best to ensure it’s as safe as possible. You can do this by making sure it’s in compliance with local authorities, is well-constructed and is erected in a strong tree. Additionally, your treehouse should never be anywhere near power lines or overlook a neighbor’s property.
If you have a treehouse on your property or are thinking about adding one, call us here at bolt insurance Agency to learn about being covered.
