These toys will make your insurance agent wince

So, you’re thinking of getting yourself a few new toys. Maybe it’s your birthday or you’re starting to think about what to get family members for their birthdays or the holidays. Aside from aesthetic and cost, are you also putting thought into safety? Sure, your kid wants that brand new trampoline, but perhaps you should think twice.

Not long ago, a quick-folding indoor trampoline designed for toddlers made the short list of most dangerous toys, according to the consumer watchdog group World Against Toys Causing Harm, or W.A.T.C.H.

Other popular toys that made the list are the new wheeled hover boards and a new type of skateboard that has no wheels. Once these potentially hazardous gifts have been unwrapped, you should probably give your insurance agent a call — or just not buy them in the first place.

While having dangerous toys in your home doesn’t automatically cause your insurance rates to go up, you may lose eligibility. It’s important to take a close look at your policy if you do plan on buying a toy that’s made the “naughty” list.

Because anyone injured at home would typically be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, they have every reason to pause when you bring a dangerous toy into the home. You could potentially lose coverage if you have a giant trampoline in your backyard.

But even if you and your insurer are okay with hazardous toys, it’s safe to increase your liability protection, especially if your house is party central for the neighborhood kids. The last thing you want is to be sued if little Johnny from two doors down breaks his arm playing on your trampoline.

So, have fun and do your shopping for birthdays and holidays, but make sure you have more than money in mind. Sometimes safety is just as — if not more — important.