Whether you care for a neighborhood playground or manage an entire park system of structures, understanding your liability is key. Today we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions we get about playground insurance and liability.
Please note: this blog is not intended to provide legal or insurance advice of any kind. Always consult a lawyer to best understand your liability and need for insurance.
1. So, what does playground insurance cover?
Every insurance policy is a little different, but generally speaking, insurance policies provide coverage in two areas: damage and liability.
First, a policy that covers damage may include protections and reimbursements for:
- Weather and natural disaster damage
- Intentional damage like theft, arson, and vandalism
- Damage from protests, riots, and other non-natural disasters
Then, a policy that covers liability may include protections and reimbursements for:
- Injuries to you or invited guests on your playground
- Injuries to uninvited guests/strangers
- Legal fees if an individual sues you for an injury sustained on your playground
Again, every policy is different, so be sure to discuss your exact coverage with your insurance agent and your lawyer.
2. Do I need insurance for a playground that resides on my private property?
Yes, you should have insurance, even for a personal, residential playground. Insurance may cover the cost of your playground if it is damaged by severe weather and may also limit your liability if someone is injured on your playground. If you have an HOA, you should check with them before you install your playground to see if they require specific insurance companies or liability levels.
3. Does homeowner’s insurance also cover backyard playgrounds?
Sometimes. First, check with your homeowner’s insurance provider to see if they insure residential playgrounds and if the coverage is included in your existing policy or if it will incur additional fees.
And, if you’re planning on installing a playground in your yard, contact your insurance provider first to ensure there are no extra requirements, like using a specific type of surfacing or specific playground features.
4. Do I need also insurance for my public outdoor playground (e.g. neighborhood, school, church)?
Yes, if you own a public playground you should absolutely have insurance to protect your investment and limit your liability. There are a number of companies that offer general or public liability insurance coverage to choose from.
5. Do I need insurance for my public indoor playground (e.g. play space, restaurant, sports complex)?
Yes, if you own an indoor playground accessible to the public, you need insurance to protect business. While indoor playgrounds may not experience severe weather in the same way as traditional outdoor playgrounds, they still come with their own risks and liabilities.
6. But how much does playground insurance cost?
The cost of your playground insurance will vary depending on a few key factors, like:
- The use of your playground (residential vs. public, number of children, frequency of use)
- The age and condition of your playground
- The surfacing underneath your playground
- The types of features your playground contains
7. How can I reduce injuries and limit my liability as a public playground owner?
Liability can be a scary topic, especially if you own or operate a public playground. But, the good news is that there are many ways to prevent injuries and limit your liability on the playground:
- Choose Safe Playground Surfacing – Many playgrounds feature grass or wood mulch surfacing, but these unsafe options don’t provide proper impact absorption in the case of a fall. Check out the pros and cons of each surface and opt for a safer choice for your playground.
- Get Regular Playground Inspections – Having your playground inspected regularly is the best way to prevent injuries and limit your liability in the case of an accident. But what if you don’t have the time or budget for formal inspections? Our Park Protector playground inspection software allows you to do it yourself, guided by the expertise of our certified inspectors.
- Update Your Outdated Playground – Many older playgrounds feature unsafe materials like metal slides. So, give your playground a facelift with Playground Guardian’s RENEW!
