Introduction
There’s nothing like relaxing in the hot tub after a long day of work. It’s sort of like biting into heaven—luxurious with the private spa experience right in your backyard. However, when I first thought about purchasing a hot tub, one thing kept nagging at me: Are hot tubs Alright with homeowners insurance? No, that is not a small point. It is a very important one, and you want to understand it if you are considering this investment.
Through this experience and proper research, I learned the importance of knowing exactly what your homeowners insurance policy covers when it comes to hot tubs. Let me walk you through everything you need to know, including types of coverage, potential risks, exclusions, and tips on how to ensure you are fully protected.
What is Homeowners Insurance, and Why Does It Matter?
Perhaps you already have homeowners insurance, like most homeowners do. This is meant to safeguard a property and belongings in cases of unexpected events like breaches of personal liability. Most plans cover fire, theft, or some form of natural disaster; however, specific occurrences depend upon your policy.
Extras such as hot tubs can sometimes be confusing. Since I thought my new hot tub would automatically fall under my policy, I was quite surprised to learn that it really isn’t that simple. You need to know where it falls in your policy and how you avoid exclusions.
Homeowners Insurance and Hot Tubs
The short answer is: yes, hot tubs can be covered under homeowners insurance, but it’s not guaranteed. Whether your hot tub is covered depends on the type of policy you have, how the hot tub is categorized, and how well you maintain it.
When I spoke with my insurance provider, they explained how most standard policies treat hot tubs as part of the property. But there are specific conditions that will determine how that coverage plays out:
Built-in vs. Portable Hot Tubs
Built-in hot tubs are usually treated as part of the home, while portable hot tubs may fall under personal property or “other structures.”
Maintenance
Failure to maintain will also negate a claim. For instance, if there is damage because the water chemistry was not balanced properly, it may not be covered under your insurance.
Liability Risks
A hot tub is considered a high-risk item due to the possibility of injury or accidents.
Key Types of Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Hot Tubs
Let’s go through the primary types of coverage you may have for your hot tub:
1. Property Damage Coverage
This portion of your policy insures damage to your hot tub from specific perils, including but not limited to:
- Fire
- Vandalism
- Storms
- Fallen objects
For example, when a branch from a tree falls on your hot tub during a storm, property damage coverage can help pay to fix it or replace it. However, it will not cover wear and tear or neglect.
2. Liability Coverage
Liability insurance protects you if someone gets injured while using your hot tub. This could include:
- Medical bills for an injured guest
- Legal fees if the injury results in a lawsuit
This coverage is essential because accidents can happen. In fact, liability claims for hot tubs average $30,000, according to insurance industry reports.
3. Other Structures Coverage
If your hot tub is detached from your home (e.g., a stand-alone unit in your backyard), it may fall under “other structures” coverage. This is the same category that covers things like fences, gazebos, or sheds.
4. Personal Property Coverage
If your hot tub is portable, it might be classified as personal property. In this case, the same rules apply as they would for your furniture or electronics.
5. Umbrella Insurance
For added peace of mind, umbrella insurance can provide extra liability coverage beyond what’s offered through your standard policy.
Exclusions: What’s Not Covered?
Hot tubs are just fine with homeowners insurance, but, nonetheless, there are scenarios under which coverage might not apply in the event of a claim. Here are some examples:
- Negligence: If the damage occurs because of poor maintenance, your insurer might deny the claim. For example, if the pump fails because you didn’t clean the filters, that’s on you.
- Flood and Earthquake Damage: Standard policies don’t cover these events. You’ll need separate flood or earthquake insurance.
- Intentional Damage: Any intentional harm to the hot tub won’t be covered.
- Wear and Tear: Normal aging and use of your hot tub aren’t covered by insurance.
When I reviewed my policy, I realized I needed to be extra careful about maintaining my hot tub to avoid any coverage gaps.
Tips for Making Sure Your Hot Tubs Are Fully Covered
When I got my first hot tub, I did a number of things to ensure that it was covered under the homeowners insurance. So here are some tips for you:
1. Talk to Your Insurance Provider
Before even having it installed, I called my insurance company. They explained whether my hot tub would be thought of as part of the home, personal property, or even as an “other structure.”
2. Update Your Policy
If your existing policy does not cover hot tubs, ask for a policy amendment to include it. This may lead to an increase in your premium, but the peace of mind is worth it.
3. Maintain Your Hot Tub
Regular maintenance is essential. Clean the filters, balance the chemistry of the water, and check for leaks. Insurance companies will deny claims if the damage is due to neglect.
4. Have Safety Features Installed
Liability risks can be mitigated by safety covers, non-slip steps, and fencing. Some even provide discounts for such safety features.
5. Maintain Records
Record everything you do, starting from receipts for purchase to maintenance logs. In the event that you need to file a claim, these records would make the process go smoother.
Real-Life Examples: When Hot Tubs Are Covered
Here are some real-life examples I have found to share with you in my search:
Storm Damage
A hailstorm shattered a hot tub cover and, subsequently, created leaks in a homeowner’s hot tub. Property damage coverage paid for repairs.
Liability Injury
A guest slipped on the wet decking around a hot tub and broke their arm. The homeowner’s liability insurance paid for medical bills and attorney fees.
Flood Exclusion
Flooding claimed another homeowner’s hot tub, but she didn’t have flood insurance. Unfortunately, she had to write off the loss.
Facts and Statistics About Hot Tubs and Insurance
- 60% of American homeowners include their hot tubs in a homeowners insurance policy.
- The mean annual premium increase for an added hot tub is $50–$100.
- Liability claims for injuries involving hot tubs range on average from $30,000 to $40,000.
- In the United States, hail and freezing weather account for the most hot tub damage.
Table: Comparison of Types of Hot Tub Coverage
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Liability Insurance | Medical/legal costs for injuries | A guest falls alongside the hot tub. |
| Property Damage | Repairs or replacement | Hail strikes the hot tub cover. |
| Other Structures Coverage | Freestanding hot tubs | A tree falls onto a backyard hot tub. |
| Personal Property Coverage | Portable hot tubs | A portable hot tub is destroyed in a fire. |
| Flood Insurance | Water damage from flooding | Floodwaters destroy an outdoor hot tub. |
How Hot Tub Ownership Affects Insurance Costs
Of course, adding a hot tub into my insurance did raise my premium a little bit. Most insurance companies charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per year for having a hot tub. There are many factors that can affect this premium, including:
- The size and type of the hot tub.
- Type: built-in or portable.
- Safety features you have installed.
Conclusion
Are hot tubs OK with homeowners insurance? Absolutely, yes—or at least they can be—but only if you do your part. It all starts with knowledge of your policy, proper maintenance of your hot tub, and incorporating safety features to spare you from any nasty surprises in the future.
Having a hot tub is enjoyable, but so is being responsible to it. Check your policy, speak with your insurance agent, and keep on top of maintenance to protect your investment. If done right, you can soak with no worries in your hot tub.
FAQs
- Do I need to tell my insurance company about my hot tub?
Yes, always declare your hot tub to your insurer, and it should be covered under your policy. - Does installing a hot tub increase my insurance cost?
Technically, it can, but the increase is usually small, between $50 and $100 in a year. - Do portable hot tubs get covered differently than the ones installed in buildings?
Yes, typically, portable hot tubs are considered personal property, whereas the built-in one as an extension of the home. - What happens if someone gets injured in my hot tub?
Liability coverage can help pay for medical bills and legal fees related to injuries. - Will my hot tub be covered in a flood or earthquake?
Not under standard policies. You’ll need separate flood or earthquake insurance for such events.
