During the winter months, a skating rink is a common addition to many backyards across Canada, and even more so this year with the pandemic encouraging people to stick closer to home. As fun as backyard skating rinks can be, it’s important to understand what is and is not covered as part of your home insurance policy.

Is a backyard skating rink a liability?

As highlighted in this article on economical.com, “Like a swimming pool, a skating rink increases the chances of someone getting injured on your property or causing damage to a neighbour’s property. What if someone slips and breaks a leg? What if your kid accidentally shoots a puck through your neighbour’s window? Or what if your rink floods your neighbour’s yard when it melts in the spring? Even if someone gets hurt after sneaking into your yard for a late-night skate, you could still be considered responsible.”

If you decide to build a backyard skating rink, it’s important to make sure you have enough liability coverage on your home insurance policy to protect you if someone gets injured or if property is damaged and you’re held liable.  

Injury prevention

Although accidents can happen, making sure everyone who uses the skating rink knows the rules may help prevent injuries. This includes making sure everyone on the ice are wearing helmets, as well as knee and elbow pads, if necessary, and ensure kids are only allowed on the ice if there is adult supervision. 

Property damage protection

When thinking of the location for your skating rink, remember to consider where the water will go once the ice melts. A rapid melt could flood your yard, and depending on location, it could flood your basement. Most home insurance policies have coverage for water damage for things like burst pipes or malfunctioning appliances, but damage caused by a melting skating rink probably isn’t included.  

Another thing to consider when planning on the location for your backyard skating rink is its proximity to neighbouring properties. If passing a puck on the ice is a part of your backyard skating experience, then you’ll want to make sure your next door neighbour's windows are not within the reach of a slap shot gone awry!

If you’re planning on building a skating rink in your backyard, contact us to see if your existing home insurance coverage is enough, or if additional coverage is recommended.