by Emily Shepherd | May 17, 2023 | Home Insurance, Insurance
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, homeowners will be looking for ways to make the most of their outdoor space. But with the fun of backyard swimming pools comes a certain level of responsibility for safety. While homeowners insurance provides some protection in the event of an accident, it’s better to take proactive measures to ensure that your swimming pool is not only safe for your family and guests, but also protected in case something happens while you’re enjoying it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some simple tips for maintaining swimming pool safety at home so you can have a safe and enjoyable summer season.
The Consequences of Negligent Pool Safety
It’s easy to see backyard pools as a fun zone, but it’s important to remember that swimming pools can also be dangerous places. Unfortunately, negligent pool safety is a leading cause of accidental drownings and injury in the United States, so it’s essential that all pool owners take the necessary steps to ensure water safety at all times.
That’s largely because failure to follow proper pool safety protocols can have serious consequences. In addition to the risk of injury or death, pool owners can also be held liable for accidents that occur due to their negligence—from expensive medical bills to civil lawsuits, and even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the incident.
However, by taking the time to properly educate themselves on pool safety and implementing precautionary measures, pool owners can ensure that their friends and family have a safe and enjoyable summer season.
Basic Tips for Maintaining Swimming Pool Safety
Maintaining swimming pool safety is a must for every home with a pool, especially in the summertime, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some basic tips to help you maintain water safety and summer safety in and around the pool:
- Make sure everyone knows how to swim. Make sure all children are supervised by an adult and have taken proper swimming lessons.
- Establish and enforce safety rules. Make sure everyone knows and follows these rules to avoid any accidents or incidents.
- Keep a first aid kit and/or life ring close by in case of an emergency.
- Install safety fences and/or covers to protect children from entering the pool unsupervised.
- Keep toys away from the pool when not in use to avoid enticement for children.
- Check the pH levels in the water regularly to ensure it’s safe for swimming.
- Always remove pool ladders and other entry points when the pool is not in use.
- Post visible signs such as “no diving” and “children must be supervised by an adult” near the pool area.
- Install a Pool Alarm. Pool alarms are an invaluable safety device that alerts you when someone enters the pool area. They can provide an extra layer of protection, especially for those with young children or pets.
- Invest in Safety Covers. A safety cover is a great way to limit access to the pool when it’s not in use. They’re usually made of strong vinyl material and are designed to withstand heavy weights.
- Post Warning Signs. Make sure to post visible warning signs around the pool, advising people of its depth, any rules for using the pool, and any dangers associated with its use.
- Monitor Activity. Whether you have young children or older adults using the pool, always make sure there is someone present to monitor their activity.
- Educate Yourself. Be aware of water safety regulations, safety equipment, and lifesaving techniques to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Level Up with Policies that Float
In addition to basic safety precautions, it’s also important that homeowners understand what kinds of coverage they have when it comes to their backyard oasis—and where they could have liability gaps. So while yes, homeowners insurance does typically cover pool accidents, there are a few important factors to consider when it comes to determining what is covered and how much coverage you may receive.
First, it’s important to know that liability coverage is typically part of your homeowner’s insurance policy. This coverage covers the costs associated with any injury or damage to property as a result of your negligence. Therefore, if someone is injured in your pool and you are found liable, then your liability coverage will cover the costs associated with the incident.
But understand: liability coverage only covers the costs associated with an injury or damage in property and not necessarily the costs associated with repairing or replacing the pool itself. So, if someone falls into your pool and requires medical treatment, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover medical bills, but not the cost of repairing or replacing the pool or building a fence.
It’s also important to note that homeowners insurance policies often have exclusions for certain kinds of pools. For example, some policies exclude coverage for swimming pools located on a commercial property, or may limit coverage for certain types of pools.
Ultimately, while homeowners insurance typically covers pool accidents, it’s important to understand the details of your policy and take all necessary safety precautions to reduce the risk of an accident. Your insurance agent can help you determine what coverage you need and what policies will best help provide it. Doing so can help ensure that you and your family stay safe this summer and that any potential accidents are covered by your insurance policy.
With the coverage, you can relax all summer, knowing that you’re protected from whatever comes your way. If you’d like help exploring your options, we at Penny Insurance would love to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation or get a quote for any of your insurance needs.
by Emily Shepherd | Mar 29, 2023 | Insurance, Travel Insurance
All you need to know about covering your upcoming travels
As the days get longer and warmer, many of us are preparing to embark on our next adventure. But before you start packing your bags, it’s important to consider the benefits of travel insurance, which can protect you in case of many unexpected travel-related issues, like illness, cancellations, injuries and more. So, in order to ensure that your next trip goes off without a hitch, let’s help you understand what type of travel coverage you may need and how to go about getting it.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance is designed to protect you from any unexpected costs or losses that may occur while traveling. It covers a wide range of expenses, from medical bills to lost luggage, including:
Medical and Emergency Expenses
Many policies cover medical expenses related to illnesses and injuries incurred while abroad. This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, ambulance services, and more. Some policies also provide coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation back home if necessary.
Trip Cancellation or Interruption
Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for any prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to certain covered events, such as weather, illness, terrorism, bankruptcy of the travel provider, or other factors.
Lost Baggage and Personal Items
Many travel insurance policies will reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal items, including expensive items like electronics, jewelry, and cameras.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Some travel insurance policies will provide financial compensation in the event of an accidental death or dismemberment while on your trip. (However, as industry experts, we should also add: it’s important to have your own AD&D and Disability policies as well. Let us know if we can help you attain those.)
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage provides legal assistance and financial protection if you are responsible for damaging another person’s property or causing injury or death.
Additional Services
Many policies offer additional services such as 24-hour travel assistance, roadside assistance, and concierge services—services that can be helpful if you need help with making travel arrangements, finding a local doctor or hospital, or even replacing a passport or other travel documents.
When purchasing travel insurance, make sure you understand the coverage options so you can choose the best policy for your needs. An agent can walk you through the different options. By preparing ahead of time with the right insurance plan, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind knowing that you are protected against unexpected costs or losses.
When do you need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is an important consideration for any vacation or business trip, regardless of the length or destination. Whether you’re taking a short domestic weekend getaway or a longer international journey, you should purchase travel insurance whenever there is a chance of financial loss due to unforeseen circumstances. Even (and maybe especially) if you don’t think anything will go wrong on your trip, it’s still a good idea to have coverage in case something unexpected happens.
Some trips may require you to purchase travel insurance; if you’re planning a cruise or other type of package trip, it’s likely that your provider will require you to purchase coverage. Additionally, some countries may require travelers to purchase medical insurance before they enter the country.
How Much Does It Cost?
When it comes to the cost of travel insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The price of your policy depends on a variety of factors, including your destination, the type of travel, the length of your trip, and the level of coverage you’re looking for, but generally speaking, the more comprehensive the coverage, the more expensive the policy will be.
In addition to the base price of the policy, you may also have to pay additional fees or premiums depending on your situation. For example, if you’re traveling to a high-risk destination or participating in extreme sports, you may have to pay extra for your coverage. Some policies also have a deductible that must be paid before any benefits are triggered, so it’s important to not only understand, but factor these costs into your overall budget when you’re comparing plans.
The easiest way to figure out how much your policy will cost is to get a quote. There are many online companies that offer a quote generator where you can input your information and get an estimated cost, but finding a reputable agent—especially if you have a number of trips or a single, extensive vacation—can better help you compare policies and make an informed decision about which plan best fits your needs.
Other Considerations
Travel insurance, in general, is relatively easy to get, but when it comes to preparing for your upcoming trip, there are a few other important aspects you should also consider.
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that you’re buying travel insurance from a reputable company. Read the policy closely to ensure that you understand the coverage and any exclusions, and check online reviews to help you choose a reliable provider.
Another thing to consider is whether you need additional coverage for activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or other adventurous activities. Some policies may include coverage for these types of activities, while others may require you to purchase additional coverage, or will reject the policy altogether.
Finally, make sure that you know how to contact the insurance company in case of an emergency. If you’re traveling abroad, you may need to contact them in a different language, so make sure that you understand the process before your trip. Keep a copy of the policy with you, and hand one off to someone else to ensure that you can easily get ahold of the records, should you need them. Keep in mind, during an emergency, you’ll want to have information easily accessible.
With the right travel insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing that you’re covered in case of an emergency. So whether you’re planning a busy year of business travel, a quick family getaway, or a large family reunion, make sure you’re covered.
If you need help exploring your options, we at Penny Insurance are here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation or get a quote for any of your insurance needs.
