Alyssa Lane
Decks can be expensive to build and replace, so it's important to know what coverage your homeowner's insurance provides. The coverage you receive depends on your insurance provider and your location. Most homeowner's insurance policies cover decks, especially if they are attached to your house. If your deck is attached to your house, it is likely covered by the “dwelling” or “other structures” portion of your policy. If your deck is detached, it is usually covered under the “structures” portion of your policy. However, it's important to note that most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage caused by age, neglect, or lack of maintenance. To ensure you have adequate coverage for your deck, review your insurance policy or consult with your insurance agent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Coverage varies from policy to policy. Decks are typically covered under the "dwelling" or "structures" portion of a homeowner's insurance policy. |
| Attached vs. detached decks | If attached to the main house, the deck is covered under the "dwellings" portion of the policy. If the deck is detached, it is covered under the "structures" portion. |
| Perils covered | Fire, hail, storms, vandalism, and falling objects are typically covered. Floods and earthquakes are usually not covered. |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner. Home insurance does not cover damage caused by neglect or lack of maintenance. |
| Liabilities | Homeowner's insurance can help cover liabilities such as medical bills if a guest is injured on the deck. |
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What You'll Learn
Attached vs. detached decks
Decks can be a great addition to your home, but they can also be expensive to build and repair. This is where homeowners insurance comes in. The coverage you will receive for any damage varies for each insurance policy, so it's important to check with your insurance company or agent to confirm what's covered and what isn't.
If your deck is attached to your house, it will likely be covered under the "dwellings portion" of your insurance policy. Most insurance companies have a section outlining any structure that is attached to your house, and as such, it will be subject to the same covered perils as the rest of the home, including fire, hail, storms, vandalism, and falling objects. However, it's important to note that most homeowners policies exclude flood or earthquake losses, so you may need supplemental insurance for these perils.
On the other hand, if your deck is not attached to your house and is a standalone structure, it will typically be covered under the "structures" or "other structures" portion of your policy. This is usually the case when decks are built by themselves in the middle of your backyard. While your homeowner's insurance will cover many types of damage, it will not cover damage caused by age, neglect, or improper maintenance. For example, insurance may deny a claim if collapse is deemed to be caused by neglected maintenance. Additionally, homeowner's insurance will not replace broken deck boards or rotting wood.
To ensure that your deck is adequately covered, it's important to review your insurance policy or speak with your insurance agent. You may also want to consider adding extra coverage for your deck if it is not already included in your policy. By taking these steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that your deck is protected in the event of unexpected damage.
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What's covered and what's not
Whether your deck is covered by your homeowner's insurance depends on the type of insurance you have and whether your deck is attached to your house or freestanding. If your deck is attached to your house, it is likely covered by the "Dwelling Coverage" or "Other Structures" portion of your insurance policy. This means that it will be subject to the same covered perils as the rest of your home, such as fire, hail, storms, vandalism, and falling objects.
If your deck is freestanding, it is typically covered under the "Other Structures" or "Structures" portion of your policy. This usually includes sheds, gazebos, fountains, greenhouses, and screened enclosures.
It's important to note that most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover any costs due to infestations, water or sewage backup, general wear and tear, damage from lack of maintenance, or damage caused by remodeling your home. Additionally, most policies exclude flood or earthquake losses, so you would need supplemental insurance for these perils.
To ensure that your deck is adequately covered, it's recommended to double-check your insurance policy or speak with your insurance agent. You may also want to consider adding Umbrella Insurance to your policy for extra protection. Taking photos of your deck before and after any construction or remodelling work, as well as saving receipts, can also help with filing a claim.
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Maintenance and care
To ensure your deck is covered, you should first check your insurance policy or speak with your insurance agent. In many cases, if your deck is attached to your home, it will be covered under the "dwellings" portion of your homeowner's policy and will have the same coverage as your house. This includes protection against perils such as fire, hail, storms, vandalism, and falling objects. If your deck is detached, it will typically be covered under the "structures" or "other structures" portion of your policy.
It is important to note that standard homeowner's insurance policies typically do not cover costs due to infestations, water or sewage backup, general wear and tear, or damage caused by a lack of maintenance or remodelling. To protect against these types of issues, you may need to purchase additional coverage or consider adding Umbrella Insurance to your policy for an extra layer of protection.
To make a claim on your deck, your insurance company will likely send out an inspector to check the damage and determine the payout. They may recommend repairing or replacing certain parts of your deck or suggest a total deck replacement if the damage is too significant. It is helpful to have photos of your deck before and after any damage occurs, as well as receipts from the deck's construction or any furniture purchases, to make filing a claim easier.
Additionally, if you are considering building a new deck, it is important to check with your city or town to see if you need a building permit and to ensure your project follows local codes and safety standards. Once the deck is built, it is recommended to have it inspected by someone certified by The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) to ensure it is safe and properly maintained.
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Adding a new deck
Check Your Existing Homeowner's Insurance Policy
Before starting any construction, carefully review your current homeowner's insurance policy. Decks are typically covered under the "'dwelling' or 'structures' portion of your policy if they are attached to your house. If your deck is detached, it usually falls under the "other structures" or "additional structures" section of your policy. Contact your insurance company or agent to confirm if your new deck will be covered and to what extent.
Understand Coverage Limitations
It's important to note that not all types of damage to your deck will be covered by your homeowner's insurance. Standard policies often exclude coverage for general wear and tear, damage from lack of maintenance, infestations, water or sewage backup, and remodelling. Additionally, most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage, so you may need supplemental insurance for these perils. Understand the limitations of your policy to determine if you need additional coverage for your deck.
Consider Umbrella Insurance
For added protection, consider purchasing Umbrella Insurance, which can provide an extra layer of coverage if you or your family members are held liable for damages that exceed the limits of your homeowner's policy. Umbrella Insurance can also protect you if a contractor hired to build your deck sustains an injury while on the job.
Comply with Building Permits and Safety Standards
Before building your new deck, check with your city or county to obtain any necessary building permits and ensure compliance with local codes and safety standards. This step is crucial to avoid safety hazards and potential issues with your insurance coverage.
Document the Process
Take photos of your deck before, during, and after construction. Save all receipts related to the project, including materials, labour, and furniture. Proper documentation will make it easier to file a claim if needed and can help support any future inspections or repairs.
Regular Maintenance
Remember that regular maintenance of your deck is essential to keep it in good condition and prevent issues that could lead to insurance claim denials. Clean and seal your deck periodically, and be mindful of weight limits to avoid collapse.
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Umbrella insurance
Decks are often covered under the “dwelling” or “structures” portion of a homeowner's insurance policy. However, it is important to check with your specific insurance company or agent, as coverage can vary from company to company and state to state. Some policies may only cover decks that are attached to the main house under "dwellings", while others may cover detached decks under "structures". Homeowner's insurance typically covers accidental damage, such as fire, but may not cover damage due to age, neglect, or maintenance issues.
If you are looking for additional coverage beyond your homeowner's insurance, you may consider umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance is a type of excess liability insurance that provides additional coverage beyond the limits of your existing policies, such as auto or homeowner's insurance. It is designed to protect your assets and future earnings from major claims or lawsuits. For example, if you are sued for property damage or personal injury and the damages exceed the limits of your homeowner's policy, umbrella insurance can provide additional coverage.
It is important to note that umbrella insurance does not cover all situations. It generally does not provide coverage for damage to your own personal property or certain types of risks, such as flood or earthquake damage. To determine if umbrella insurance is right for you, it is recommended to review your existing policies and identify any gaps in coverage. You can then work with an insurance agent or insurer to determine if umbrella insurance can provide the additional protection you need.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your insurance policy. Decks that are attached to your house are typically covered under the "dwelling" or "dwellings" portion of your policy. If your deck is freestanding or detached, it is usually covered under "structures" or "other structures" (Coverage B). It is always best to double-check with your insurance company or agent.
Homeowner's insurance will cover losses from certain events that damage your deck. This includes fires, windstorms, heavy snow, hail, storms, vandalism, and falling objects.
Homeowner's insurance typically does not cover damage caused by general wear and tear, neglect, remodelling, infestations, water or sewage backup, or maintenance. Most policies also exclude flood or earthquake losses, so you may need supplemental insurance for these perils.
To ensure coverage, you should first check your insurance policy document for any mention of decks, attached or standalone structures. If your deck is not covered, ask your insurance agent about adding protection. Additionally, maintain your deck properly, including cleaning and sealing it regularly, to prevent collapse and ensure coverage in the event of damage.
