Pool Enclosure Insurance: Does Your Home Insurance Cover It?

You've chosen your enclosure, it's been fitted, and your pool is finally protected from the leaves, the rain and whatever the British weather throws at it next. But have you told your insurer? Pool enclosure insurance isn't the most exciting topic, but it's one worth ten minutes of your time.

The honest answer to "does home insurance cover a pool enclosure?" is that it depends entirely on your policy and your insurer. We're pool enclosure specialists, not insurance experts, so we can't tell you what your policy covers. What we can do is help you ask the right questions.

Please note: this article is general guidance only, not insurance advice. Always check with your own insurer or broker about your policy and circumstances.

Why Should You Talk to Your Insurer About a Pool Enclosure?

A pool enclosure is a significant addition to your garden. It's a structure with an aluminium frame and polycarbonate panels, it sits outside all year, and it represents a real investment.

Policies can differ in how they deal with garden structures, and the wording can be quite specific. Rather than assuming your enclosure is included, the only way to know how your policy works is to ask.

It's much better to have that conversation now than to find out after a storm.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Insurer?

Here are the questions we'd suggest putting to your insurer or broker. Jot down the answers, and ask for anything important in writing.

Do I Need to Declare My Pool Enclosure?

Start here. Ask whether you need to tell them about the enclosure, and if so, how it should be listed.

Useful follow-up questions:

• Is it covered under my buildings insurance, my contents insurance, or neither?
• Is there a limit on cover for garden structures or outbuildings, and is it enough for the enclosure?
• Do I need to update my total sum insured to reflect the enclosure's value?
• Do you need the invoice, photos or a specification?

Is It Covered for Storm Damage?

Wind, heavy rain and snow are the obvious risks for anything that lives outside in the UK. Ask:

• Is storm damage to the enclosure covered?
• Are there conditions, such as the enclosure having to be closed or locked during bad weather?
• What about damage from snow?
• What if a tree or branch falls on it, whether from my garden or a neighbour's?

What About Accidental and Impact Damage?

Polycarbonate is tough and impact resistant, but accidents happen. A stray football, a falling branch or a slip with the garden furniture can all cause damage.

Ask whether accidental damage to the enclosure is covered as standard, or only if you add accidental damage cover to your policy.

Are There Security or Locking Requirements?

Some insurers may ask about security. Ask whether they have any requirements for how the enclosure is secured, and whether they'd like to know about its locking features.

This is where knowing your enclosure's specification helps. Many of our made-to-measure enclosures can be locked in place. The Oceanic Low, for example, is fully lockable, while the Parade Low has a safety lock that stops it opening accidentally or moving in the wind.

Does the Enclosure Affect My Liability Cover?

If friends, family or visitors use your pool, ask whether your policy's liability cover includes the pool and enclosure area, and whether adding an enclosure changes anything.

Will It Change My Premium?

We can't tell you, and nobody should promise you an answer either way before your insurer has looked at it. Adding a structure could affect your premium, or it might make no difference. Ask your insurer directly, and compare the answer if you shop around at renewal.

When Should You Contact Your Insurer?

Timing matters less than actually doing it, but a few moments make natural prompts:

• When you've placed your order, so you can ask your questions before installation day
• Once the enclosure is installed, to update your policy if needed and send any documents they ask for
• At renewal, to check the enclosure is still listed correctly, especially if you switch insurer
• If you add or change anything, such as upgrading to motorised opening

A quick call at each stage keeps your policy in step with your property, and it means there are no surprises if you ever need to claim.

What About a Holiday Home Abroad?

We deliver and install enclosures across much of Europe, so some of our customers are covering a pool at a holiday home in France, Spain or elsewhere. If that's you, the same questions apply, but put them to whoever insures that property. Insurance in another country can work quite differently, so a local insurer or broker is the best person to ask.

What Records Should You Keep?

Good records make life much easier if you ever need to make a claim. We'd suggest keeping a folder, paper or digital, with:

• Your invoice and final quote, showing what you paid and what was included
• Details from your site survey, including the measurements your enclosure was built to
• The specification: model, size, frame colour, panel type and any options, such as motorised opening
• Your installation date
• Photos of the enclosure when it was new, plus a few more each year
• Any aftercare, servicing or repair records
• Planning documents, if you needed any

It doesn't take long to put together, and it could save a great deal of stress later.

How Can a Professionally Installed Enclosure Help?

Insurers will always make their own decisions, so we won't make any claims about how they treat one enclosure over another. But a made-to-measure, professionally installed enclosure does give you a clear paper trail and clear answers when your insurer asks questions.

Here's what that looks like with our enclosures:

• A site survey: our team visits to take precise measurements and assess the installation area before anything is made
• Made to measure: each enclosure is made to order and built to your pool's exact size
• A final quote and invoice: a detailed, fully costed quote for your approval before anything is ordered, so you know exactly what you've bought
• Professional installation: we handle the whole delivery and fitting process
• Locking options: many models can be locked in place; check the product page for your chosen model
• Aftercare support: our team is on hand after installation for maintenance queries and advice

That means when your insurer asks what you've got, who installed it and what it cost, you have the documents to hand.

How Can You Look After Your Enclosure Day to Day?

Looking after your enclosure is good sense anyway, and it may help if you ever need to make a claim. A few simple habits:

• Close and lock the enclosure when bad weather is forecast, where your model allows
• Keep the tracks clear of leaves and debris so it opens and closes properly
• Check it after storms and take photos of any damage straight away
• Deal with small problems early, and keep a note of what was done

Our guide to how long pool enclosures last in the UK climate has more tips on keeping yours in good condition.

What About a Self-Assembly Kit?

If you've chosen a self-assembly kit, such as the Palram-Canopia Majorca, the same questions apply. Keep your receipt and product details, and ask your insurer whether they need to know anything about a structure you've assembled yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pool enclosure covered by standard home insurance?

It depends on your policy and your insurer, so we can't give you a general answer. Check with your own insurer or broker.

Will a pool enclosure lower my insurance premium?

We can't promise that, and neither should anyone else. Your premium is up to your insurer, so ask them directly.

Do I need to tell my insurer about a new pool enclosure?

That's a question for your insurer. Give them a call once your enclosure is confirmed and they can tell you exactly what they need from you.

What should I do if my enclosure is damaged in a storm?

Take photos, keep yourself safe, check your policy's claims process and contact your insurer. If you need help with repairs, get in touch with us.

Thinking About an Enclosure for Your Pool?

If you'd like a made-to-measure enclosure that comes with a site survey, professional installation and aftercare support, explore our pool enclosures or get in touch. You can also call us free on 0800 8611 679. And remember, for anything about your insurance policy, your insurer or broker is the one to ask.