Backyard Safety Gap: 66% Overlook Insurance When Installing Outdoor Amenities
According to our 2024 Housepower Report, nearly half of U.S. homeowners (46%) named home insurance and protection plans as a top priority going into 2025. But how does that urgency translate to outdoor spaces?
We surveyed over 2,000 U.S. homeowners this year to understand the prevalence of outdoor amenities like swimming pools, trampolines, fire pits, decks, and swing sets on their properties. This allows us to assess how frequently homeowners consider safety features, including appropriate insurance coverage, for these amenities.
Our new data surfaces the most common trends and concerns relating to common outdoor amenities, bringing attention to an often-overlooked area of home protection. This knowledge can help homeowners potentially reduce risks and have greater peace of mind.
Key takeaways
- Most homeowners consider their budget when upgrading their backyard, but their insurance coverage? Not so much. While 75% of homeowners say that budget influenced their decision to add outdoor amenities, only 34% considered insurance coverage.
- Grills, the most popular outdoor amenity, pose significant safety risks, causing millions in property damage and thousands of emergency room visits annually. Homeowners could reduce these risks with simple precautions like hiring someone to perform seasonal gas line checks, posting usage rules, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Most homeowners rank ongoing maintenance and upkeep as their top concern with having outdoor amenities in their yard.
- When considering new outdoor amenities, female homeowners often have no concerns. If they do, their main worries are maintenance and upkeep. Male homeowners, however, are more influenced by their family and neighbors.
- Age shapes how homeowners prioritize outdoor amenity decisions, shifting from family and budget considerations for those aged 30-44 to a greater emphasis on insurance implications for homeowners aged 45-60.
The top 5 most popular amenities and the overlooked risks
Backyards are evolving from basic green space to high-traffic hubs for entertaining, relaxing, and spending time with family. Among the more than 2,000 homeowners we surveyed, the most popular outdoor amenities included:
- Grills (57%)
- Fire pits (44%)
- New decks (34%)
- Outdoor kitchens (32%)
- Swimming pools (29%)
Each feature brings its own maintenance needs and safety risks. Yet when homeowners were asked what influenced their decision to install outdoor features, many placed insurance considerations lower on their list.
Budget (75%) and family input (58%) were top priorities, while only 34% said they considered their insurance policy. While financial and familial factors dominate the conversation, these three priorities are more interconnected than they appear.
Without the right coverage, a single incident can quickly turn into an unexpected expense that impacts both family members and finances.
For example, if extreme weather like a tornado causes a tree to fall and severely damage a home’s deck, other structures’ coverage could be required to cover the cost of damages. Without this specific coverage, homeowners may be solely responsible for the expensive repairs.
Bridging the gap: Maintenance, safety, and insurance for outdoor living
Maintenance concerns are front and center for homeowners with backyard amenities. Nearly 4 in 10 (39%) said ongoing upkeep is their top concern, far outweighing injury risk (16%) or impact to insurance (15%).
This aligns with the 86% of respondents who reported using at least one protective measure, such as:
- Conducting regular safety checks or maintenance
- Having a fire extinguisher or hose nearby
- Using safety nets or protective enclosures
- Anchoring equipment to the ground
- Adding padding on hard edges or surfaces
- Using pool or hot tub covers with safety locks
- Posting safety signage or rules
Regular checks and maintenance are important, but not reviewing insurance coverage is a potential gap that could leave even the most proactive homeowners vulnerable to uncovered claims.
Here’s what homeowners should do to cover this gap:
- Review insurance coverage annually: Review homeowner liability details and any endorsements that apply to outdoor features like pools, decks, or built‑in grills. Minor adjustments now could prevent significant out‑of‑pocket costs later, and help homeowners understand what can cause home insurance costs to go up.
- Document backyard upgrades: Keep digital records of permits, contractors, and receipts. Clear documentation may help speed up a potential claim and help validate additions that boost your home’s value.
- Confirm local safety requirements: Many municipalities mandate pool fences, deck rail heights, or spark screens for fire pits. Meeting these codes can help if you ever need to file an insurance claim, since some policies have clauses that require homeowners to maintain their property in a safe condition and comply with local regulations.
- Explore additional coverage options: If homeowners host frequently or have amenities not covered by typical insurance policies, additional coverage options can add another layer of protection.
Survey reveals differing approaches to backyard safety across gender and age
While maintenance concerns dominate across all homeowners, our survey data reveals interesting differences in how people prioritize and approach outdoor amenity risks based on both gender and age.
Gender divide: Women prioritize maintenance, men focus on liability
Women in our survey were more than twice as likely as men to express no concerns about outdoor amenities (13% vs 6%). However, when concerns were present, both groups prioritized maintenance as their top worry, but with different intensities. Women showed stronger concern about ongoing maintenance and upkeep (41% vs 36% for men), while men placed greater emphasis on insurance and liability issues as their second-highest concern (19% vs 11% for women).
The planning process reveals interesting contrasts as well. Men were slightly more likely to prioritize opinions from family members when deciding to install outdoor amenities (61% vs 54%) and showed greater consideration for neighbor relationships (38% vs 26%).
Meanwhile, women were slightly more budget-conscious, with 79% considering their budget when deciding to install outdoor amenities compared to 72% of men.
These different risk assessment styles aren't inherently better or worse; they reflect varying approaches to safety planning. Whether homeowners naturally lean toward safety-first thinking or financial-protection planning, incorporating elements of both approaches creates more resilient outdoor spaces that protect family members and finances.
Age analysis: From family-first to insurance-focused
Our survey suggests that age also plays a role in how homeowners approach decisions about outdoor amenities. For instance, homeowners between 30 and 44 years old are the most family-focused, with 63% considering their family’s opinions when deciding to install outdoor amenities. This is a higher percentage than any other age group.
The 30 to 44-year-old demographic also has the strongest financial awareness, with 78% citing budget considerations as a key factor in their decision to install new outdoor amenities.
Beyond this, our data shows a potential connection between age and insurance awareness. Forty-one percent of homeowners aged 45 to 60 said they consider insurance implications when deciding on outdoor amenities, the highest of any age group. This may reflect shifting priorities that come with different life stages.
Compared to older homeowners, those in their 30s and early 40s appear more focused on immediate needs like budget and family preferences. As homeowners grow older, they may become more established in their careers, accumulate more assets, and spend more time in their homes. These factors could help explain why insurance considerations become more prominent with age, as protecting what they’ve built gradually becomes a bigger part of the decision-making process.
Essential backyard safety checklists for America's most popular amenities
Our 2025 American Dream Home survey found that U.S. homeowners looking for their dream home prioritize a spacious backyard or outdoor space. This signals a strong demand for homes with well-designed outdoor spaces that enhance comfort and livability.
That said, each outdoor amenity comes with its own set of hazards and maintenance needs. From the everyday risks of backyard grilling to the specialized safety requirements of pools and trampolines, these safety checklists can help homeowners spot potential hazards and stay ahead of them.
Grills: The popular amenity that causes $37 million in annual home damage
Grills, the most popular backyard amenity among respondents, are often used casually and frequently. This can lead to overlooking safety planning, but failing to take proper precautions can result in serious grilling accidents.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, grills cause an average of $37 million in property damage annually. That’s on top of the 21,682 people these accidents send to the emergency room every year.
The good news? Simple steps like checking gas lines seasonally, posting usage rules near shared spaces, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby could drastically lower related risks
Grill safety checklist:
- Store a fire extinguisher close by the grill, so it’s readily available in an emergency.
- Inspect gas connections and hoses before each grilling season.
- Clean grease traps and drip pans regularly to prevent flare-ups.
- Position grills at least 10 feet from structures, overhanging branches, and deck railings.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended.
- Post basic safety rules in visible areas for guests and family members.
- Set up the grill and propane tanks upright, away from other heat sources, and on a flat surface.
- Check local fire restrictions during dry seasons.
Fire pits: Safety habits to help minimize fire risks
Fire pits were the second most commonly owned outdoor amenity among surveyed homeowners. These popular gathering spots come with obvious fire risks, especially during dry conditions or when used near children, pets, or flammable materials.
Simple emergency preparedness steps could go a long way in protecting homes from potentially devastating fire damage.
Fire pit safety checklist:
- Install spark screens or guards to contain embers.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, a reliable water source, or sandbags within reach.
- Keep flammable materials at least 10 feet away from the fire pit.
- Check local burn bans and fire restrictions before use.
- Never leave fires unattended, even for short periods.
- Fully extinguish fires before going indoors or to bed.
- Establish clear rules for children and pets around open flames.
- Install proper drainage to help prevent water accumulation in permanent pits.
Decks: The "lower-risk" amenity that still needs attention
Decks are the third most common feature among respondents. While they may seem like low-risk additions, structural wear, loose boards, and poor railing installation can lead to preventable injuries. Homeowners should conduct more frequent inspections for aging decks or those installed as DIY projects.
A seasonal walkthrough and minor reinforcement (like tightening railings or replacing warped boards) can extend the life of a deck and help ensure it remains a safe space for gatherings, relaxation, or play.
Deck safety checklist:
- Inspect stair railings and guardrails for stability and proper height. That is roughly 34–38 inches for stair railings and 42 inches for deck guardrails.
- Check for loose or warped boards.
- Examine support posts and joists for signs of rot or insect damage.
- Ensure stair handrails are secure and balusters are properly spaced.
- Clear debris from between deck boards to prevent moisture buildup.
- Test deck lighting and replace burnt-out bulbs.
- Remove snow load promptly in winter climates.
- Schedule professional inspections for decks over 10 years old.
Pools and trampolines: Higher-risk amenities need higher safety engagement
From 2009 to 2018, over 800,000 children in the U.S. sustained trampoline injuries, with the majority being under 16 years old. Similarly, the American Red Cross reports drowning as a primary cause of death among U.S. children aged 1–4 years. For children between 5 and 14 years old, it is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death. Tragically, the majority of these deaths occur in pools owned by family, friends, or relatives.
While pools and trampolines didn’t rank among the top three most popular amenities, both are closely tied to injury risk and liability concerns. By participating in trampoline and pool safety habits, homeowners can enjoy these amenities with greater peace of mind.
Pool safety checklist:
- Install and maintain proper fencing (minimum 4 feet high) with self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Use pool covers with safety locks when not in use.
- Keep rescue equipment (reaching pole, life ring) poolside.
- Install proper lighting for evening use.
- Maintain clear sight lines to the pool from the house.
- Post pool rules and emergency contact information.
- Keep first aid supplies and emergency phone numbers accessible.
- Regularly test and maintain pool alarms.
- Schedule annual professional inspections of pool equipment and safety features.
- Ensure all family members and frequent guests know basic water safety.
Trampoline safety checklist:
- Install safety nets and padding on all springs and frame edges.
- Anchor trampolines securely to prevent movement in high winds.
- Position trampolines away from structures, trees, and other hazards.
- Inspect nets, springs, and the jumping surface regularly for wear.
- Supervise children during use.
- Remove ladders when not in use to prevent unsupervised access.
- Post safety rules visibly near the trampoline.
Boosting home protection habits with Hippo
While standard homeowners insurance typically covers a home's structure, personal belongings, and liability, coverage for outdoor features can vary depending on your specific policy and the type of incident.
When accidents happen, whether from a fire pit mishap or grill-related damage, your homeowners' insurance can provide financial protection. Dwelling coverage can help handle repairs to your home's structure, personal property coverage helps replace damaged belongings, and liability protection becomes essential if someone gets injured on your property.
At Hippo, we understand that modern homes extend well beyond four walls. That's why we offer comprehensive coverage options to protect your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Learn more about how Hippo can help safeguard your home environment with coverage built for today's homeowners.
Methodology
This report presents findings from a survey administered by SurveyMonkey Audience on behalf of Hippo Insurance Services on June 11, 2025. The analysis is based on 2,217 completed questionnaires from screened respondents residing in the United States. They were identified as homeowners of either single-family dwellings, condominiums, or townhouses and were 18 years of age or older. The reported data is unweighted, and the margin of error for the total sample is approximately ±2% at a 95% confidence interval.
Any data referencing gender is based on the completed surveys of 1,136 male-identifying respondents and 1,079 women-identifying respondents. This data is also unweighted, and the margin of error is ±3% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.
For respondents aged 30-44, the data has a 95% confidence level with a +/-3% margin of error. Similarly, for those aged 45-60, the data maintains a 95% confidence level with a +/-4% margin of error.
These insights reflect observed trends within the surveyed population and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not influence or reflect any insurance product pricing, coverage decisions, or eligibility criteria applied by Hippo.
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