Does an Inground Pool Increase Home Insurance?

When people think about putting in an inground pool on their residential property, they often wonder how it will affect their home insurance. Truth is, it depends on the exact policy that a person has as to how an inground pool will impact it. This is why it is so important to speak with your insurance agent to learn how your policy will change if you add an inground pool to your property. 

Many home insurance policies will cover an inground pool, but adding this coverage will likely increase your premium. Depending on your insurance service provider, it may cause your policy premium to increase by 10 to 20 percent; this is why it is important to shop around for a good rate. Generally, it will add about $50 to your premium. Keep in mind, though, that some carriers look at an inground pool to be covered under replacement cost value or under personal property limit. 

Some insurance companies will consider an inground pool to be some type of external structure, meaning it is on the property but does not qualify as part of a policyholder’s personal property. If this is the case, the pool will need to be listed separately on the policy to ensure it has proper coverage. 

Claims related to inground pools are typically small in number because it takes a lot to damage these types of pools. The most general types of claims relating to swimming pools is some type of personal injury claim. 

If you would like more information on how an inground pool will affect your homeowners insurance, contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc serving the Pismo Beach, CA area. 

Drive Safely at Dawn and Dusk

In Pismo Beach, CA, you may be the early bird that catches the worm or like to stay after office hours to get things done. Those habits may catch you driving at dawn or dusk, which can be particularly hazardous. The street, other cars, pedestrians, and road marking may be shrouded in the dark of long shadows. But the sky may be bright from the sun, making it difficult for your eyes to adjust to the dark. You also risk looking at the sun directly, which may blind you to traffic.

Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc wants you to drive safely at these times by following these tips.

  • Before it gets dark, turn on your headlamps. When the sun hangs low in the sky, switch your headlights on. They’ll illuminate the things that are obscured by the shadows and they’ll make you more visible to approaching traffic. They’ll also encourage other drivers to start turning their lights on so you can see them.

  • Keep your headlights clean. They won’t be effective at their jobs if they’re dirty or cloudy. Make it a habit of giving them a good wipe before you start out in the morning. If they’re beginning to look a little unclear, use a headlight restoration kit that you can purchase online or at auto centers. They can minimize scratches and discoloration that can occur over the years.

  • Increase your following distance. Given the unusual lighting conditions, it may be more difficult for you to recognize and react to hazardous situations. Rather than remaining the usual three or four seconds behind the car in front, allow at least four seconds to allow you extra time to brake if necessary.

If you do get into an accident at dawn, dusk, or any other times, adequate insurance can protect you. Contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc to find out how.