Summer brings sunshine, laughter, and afternoons by the pool, but if your backyard includes a diving board, you might have wondered whether that fun addition could make your home insurance rates go up. Diving boards have long been a symbol of poolside enjoyment, yet they also represent a potential safety concern for insurance companies. So, how much does a diving board really affect your insurance in 2025? Let’s dive in.
Do Diving Boards Increase Home Insurance Premiums?
The short answer: sometimes, but not always significantly.
Insurance companies evaluate risk when determining your premium. Features like pools, trampolines, or wood-burning stoves all increase liability exposure, and diving boards fall into that same category. A pool alone may already cause your home insurance to cost more than average, but the addition of a diving board may raise your rate slightly further depending on your insurer’s policy rules.
Some insurers view diving boards as a manageable risk if they’re installed professionally, maintained properly, and meet local safety standards. Others, however, avoid covering homes with diving boards altogether due to the higher risk of injury claims. In these cases, you might either pay a higher premium or be required to remove the board to qualify for coverage.
In most cases, if your insurer allows diving boards, the premium increase is relatively modest. The cost difference typically reflects the additional liability coverage needed rather than the board itself. However, the bigger issue is whether the insurer is willing to insure your home with a diving board in the first place.
Why Diving Boards Are a Liability Concern
Diving boards are fun, but they come with inherent risks. Most pool-related injuries don’t actually involve diving boards, yet when they do occur, they can be severe. Improper dives, shallow water, or roughhousing can all lead to accidents. Because of this, insurers consider diving boards a higher liability exposure than a standard pool setup.
Over the last two decades, the number of residential pools built with diving boards has dropped significantly. This isn’t necessarily because homeowners dislike them, it’s because pool designs have changed. Modern pools tend to be smaller, shallower, and designed for lounging rather than diving. Safety standards have also become more stringent, requiring deeper wells and longer slopes for safe diving. These factors make it harder to design a compliant residential pool with a diving board, which in turn reduces how many insurers are willing to take on the risk.
If you have a diving board or plan to install one, make sure your pool meets current local safety requirements, such as adequate depth (typically 8–10 feet for diving areas), non-slip surfaces, and properly anchored equipment. Insurers take these precautions seriously when assessing your property’s liability.
Understanding “Attractive Nuisances” and Insurance Risk
In the insurance world, certain property features are labeled as “attractive nuisances.” These are things that can draw people in, especially children, but that also pose a safety hazard. Pools, trampolines, ponds, and playgrounds all fall into this category.
A diving board doesn’t necessarily make your pool more “attractive” to neighborhood kids, but it does increase the potential for injury if someone gains access without supervision. That’s why most insurers require fencing, self-latching gates, and sometimes pool alarms as a condition of coverage. A secure, code-compliant fence around the pool is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental drownings or injuries, and in some areas, it’s required by law.
Homeowners who take extra precautions, like installing proper lighting, anti-slip decking, and clear depth markers, may also find that insurers are more comfortable offering coverage, even with a diving board present. The message from insurers is clear: reduce the risk, and you reduce the chance of higher premiums.
The Importance of Full Disclosure
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not telling their insurer about their diving board or pool features.
Your homeowners insurance is a legal contract, it’s based on the information you provide. If you fail to disclose something that materially affects risk (like a diving board), your insurer could deny a future claim or even cancel your policy for misrepresentation.
In practice, many insurers conduct exterior inspections, often without notifying homeowners. If they find an undisclosed pool or diving board, you may receive a non-renewal notice or be asked to remove the equipment. It’s far better to disclose it upfront so you can find the right insurer who will cover it properly.
If your insurer doesn’t allow diving boards, don’t panic, there are carriers that do. It may simply require switching to a company that specializes in higher-value or custom home policies, where pools and diving boards are more common.
Pro tip: When applying for homeowners insurance, always be honest about your property features. It’s easier to shop around for coverage that fits your lifestyle than to deal with a claim denial later.
Can a Diving Board Get Your Policy Canceled?
Having a diving board won’t automatically cancel your policy, but it can lead to issues if it’s undisclosed or prohibited.
Insurers have underwriting rules that define what risks they’re willing to accept. If your insurer’s guidelines exclude homes with diving boards and you add one later without notifying them, that can be considered a material change in risk. If discovered, you could face non-renewal or outright cancellation.
If you already have a policy, it’s smart to review it before installing a board. Ask your agent directly whether diving boards are allowed and if any special requirements apply. Some insurers may ask for proof of depth, fencing, or recent safety inspections. Others might simply adjust your premium slightly to account for the increased risk.
Avoid surprises by keeping communication open. Being transparent allows you to stay in control rather than being forced to find a new policy under pressure.
Liability Coverage and Why It Matters
Liability coverage is the part of your homeowners insurance that protects you if someone gets injured on your property and you’re found legally responsible. This includes pool-related injuries, whether or not a diving board is involved.
Most standard homeowners policies include at least $100,000 in personal liability coverage. However, given today’s medical costs and legal expenses, that amount may not go far in the event of a serious injury. Many homeowners, especially those with pools, opt for $300,000 to $500,000 in liability protection. The cost difference is surprisingly small, but the added peace of mind is substantial.
For example, if a guest were injured using your diving board and sued for $400,000 in damages, your insurance would only cover up to your policy limit. Anything beyond that amount becomes your financial responsibility. That’s why increasing your liability limits is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to protect yourself.
Should You Consider an Umbrella Policy?
For homeowners who want extra protection beyond standard limits, an umbrella policy is a smart choice. A personal umbrella policy extends your liability coverage across multiple policies, usually home and auto, providing an additional $1 million (or more) in coverage.
In 2025, the average cost of a $1 million umbrella policy ranges from about $150 to $300 per year, depending on your risk profile. For the amount of coverage it provides, that’s an excellent value. Many insurers even offer discounts when you bundle it with your home and auto policies.
If you have a pool, diving board, trampoline, or other high-liability features, an umbrella policy is one of the best ways to safeguard your assets from potential lawsuits.
Flood Insurance Should Be a Breeze!
How to Lower Your Risk (and Keep Premiums in Check)
If you love your diving board and want to keep your insurance rates reasonable, focus on risk reduction. Here’s how:
- Install a compliant fence at least 4–6 feet high with a self-latching gate.
- Maintain proper pool depth for safe diving, typically 8–10 feet minimum.
- Use non-slip materials on the pool deck and diving board steps.
- Inspect your board regularly for cracks, loosened bolts, or wear.
- Supervise all swimmers, especially children and guests.
- Post “No Diving” signs in shallow areas and ensure everyone follows pool rules.
Demonstrating that your pool is maintained to high safety standards can help reduce your perceived risk, and make your insurer more comfortable offering competitive rates.
Key Takeaways
- A diving board may raise your premium modestly, but the bigger issue is whether your insurer allows them.
- Always disclose your pool and diving board to your insurer to avoid denied claims or cancellations.
- Proper safety measures, like fencing and correct water depth, can make a big difference in approval and pricing.
- Increase your liability limits and consider an umbrella policy for added protection.
- Choose the right insurer, not all companies treat diving boards the same way.
With the right precautions and coverage, you can enjoy your pool safely and confidently while keeping your insurance costs manageable.
FAQs About Diving Boards and Homeowners Insurance
Will adding a diving board increase my insurance rates?
Usually, yes, but only slightly if your insurer already covers pools. Some companies may not allow diving boards at all, while others might add a small surcharge.
Can my policy be canceled because of a diving board?
Only if it violates your insurer’s underwriting guidelines or was not disclosed. Being upfront ensures your policy remains valid and protects you from surprises.
What safety features should I have if I own a pool with a diving board?
A fenced enclosure, self-closing gates, adequate pool depth, non-slip decking, and visible depth markers are all recommended or required by most insurers.
How much liability coverage should I carry?
Experts recommend at least $300,000 in personal liability coverage if you have a pool or diving board, and ideally pairing it with an umbrella policy for extra protection.
Are diving boards banned in some areas?
They’re not banned nationally, but local codes may require specific pool dimensions, fencing, or depth. Always check your local regulations and follow safety standards before installation.
