I put a bunk bed in the kids’ room to increase my occupancy to 8. A 6-year-old guest rolled off the top bunk at night and suffered a concussion. Now I’m being sued for “unsafe furniture” and negligence. My insurance agent just told me that my policy has a specific “Bunk Bed Exclusion” I never noticed.
Key Takeaways
- The “Attractive Nuisance” Risk: Insurers view bunk beds (and trampolines) as high-risk features for children.
- Specific Exclusions: Some landlord and budget STR policies explicitly exclude liability arising from bunk beds or require specific railings that meet commercial codes.
- Warning Labels: If your bunk bed doesn’t have the permanent safety warning sticker (required by law), you are automatically “negligent” in a lawsuit.
- Railings & Ladders: The #1 cause of liability is a loose ladder or a railing that is too low for the mattress height.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Non-Standard Furnishings.”
While not as common as the “Trampoline Exclusion,” budget insurance carriers often slip in exclusions for “bunk beds, slides, or playground equipment” to lower their risk. If you bought a cheap bunk bed from Amazon that doesn’t meet ASTM safety standards, you are exposed.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Foremost (Landlord): I asked about bunk beds. They said they are generally acceptable if they have railings on both sides, but they scrutinize claims heavily for “maintenance” (loose bolts).
- Proper Insurance: “No exclusion for bunk beds,” the agent said. “But we expect you to follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.”
- State Farm: “We don’t have a specific exclusion, but if the bed is deemed unsafe or homemade, we might deny under ‘negligence’.”
Comparison Table: Bunk Bed Safety
| Feature | Commercial STR Policy | Budget Landlord Policy | Airbnb AirCover |
| Bunk Bed Liability | Included | Check Exclusions | Included |
| Safety Standard Requirement | Strict (ASTM) | Varies | Varies |
| Defense for “Negligence” | YES | NO (If excluded) | YES |
[IMAGE: Photo of a top bunk railing with a ruler showing it is less than 5 inches above the mattress, labeled ‘Unsafe’]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Measure the Railing: The top of the guardrail must be at least 5 inches above the top of the mattress. If you have a thick memory foam mattress, you might be violating this safety rule. Get a thinner mattress.
- Tighten Bolts Monthly: Kids jump on these. Loose bolts = negligence.
- Post a Sign: “Top Bunk for ages 6+ only.” Put this in your house rules and on a sticker on the ladder.
- Remove Slides: If the bed has a slide attachment, remove it. That moves it from “Furniture” to “Playground Equipment” in the eyes of an adjuster.
FAQ
Are triple bunks covered?
They are incredibly high risk. Many commercial carriers will ask for photos and may refuse to insure them due to fall height.
What if the guest removed the railing?
If you can prove it (photos from before check-in), you have a defense. If you can’t, you are liable.
Does AirCover pay for the ambulance?
If found liable, yes. But they will investigate if the bed was “inherently dangerous.”