Other Structures: What's Covered By Home Insurance?

Other structures coverage is part of a standard homeowners insurance policy. It covers damage to structures on your property that are not attached to your home, such as detached garages, sheds, fences, and swimming pools. This type of coverage typically includes anything from damages caused by vandalism, fire, and falling objects. For example, if a tree falls on your shed during a storm, other structures coverage can help pay for the repairs. The coverage limit for other structures is usually about 10% of the dwelling coverage amount listed on your homeowners insurance policy.

Detached garages

A detached garage is a common example of an "other structure" covered by homeowners insurance. Other structures coverage is part of a standard homeowners policy and covers items on the property that are not directly attached to the home, such as detached garages, sheds, and fences.

The coverage limit for other structures is typically set at 10% of the dwelling coverage amount listed on the homeowners insurance policy. For example, if a house is insured for $400,000, the coverage for detached structures would be $40,000. This amount can vary depending on the insurance company and the specific policy. Some companies offer a 20% coverage option as standard, and it may be possible to increase the coverage limit further if needed.

It is important to note that other structures coverage only applies to the structures themselves and not to any items stored inside. For example, if a detached garage catches fire and everything inside is destroyed, the other structures coverage would pay to rebuild the garage, but the personal property coverage would cover the items inside.

Other structures coverage protects against the same types of damage as the main home insurance policy, including fire, hail, wind, and vandalism. However, there are some exclusions, such as damage caused by earthquakes, floods, and wear and tear.

In summary, detached garages are considered "other structures" in home insurance policies and are typically covered for up to 10% of the dwelling coverage amount. This coverage protects against various types of damage but does not include items stored within the garage.

Fences

Garden fence coverage typically falls under two main categories: buildings insurance and contents insurance. Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home, including walls, roofs, and, in most cases, garden fences. This type of insurance usually protects against perils like fire, storm damage, flooding, subsidence, and vandalism. On the other hand, contents insurance covers personal belongings within your home, such as furniture, appliances, and personal possessions. It generally does not provide coverage for garden fences as they are considered part of the property's structure.

When determining coverage, insurance providers consider various factors, including the material of the fence, the location of your property, the local crime rate, the fence's height, and its overall condition and maintenance. It is worth noting that some insurance providers may specifically cover fences in the event of vandalism or fire, but storm damage is often excluded. Therefore, reviewing your policy documents and consulting with your insurance provider is crucial to understanding the extent of coverage provided for your garden fence.

Additionally, it is important to note that the coverage amount for other structures, including fences, is typically about 10% of your home's dwelling coverage limit. For example, if your home is insured for $250,000, you should have $25,000 in other structures coverage. Depending on the type and number of additional structures on your property, you may need to adjust these limits to ensure sufficient coverage.

In-ground pools

An in-ground pool is a desirable feature for many homeowners, but it's important to understand how it affects your insurance. In-ground pools are considered "attractive nuisances" by insurance companies, which means that they can attract children and put them in danger. As a result, your insurance policy will need to cover liability in addition to the pool itself.

Whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover your in-ground pool depends on your property insurance company. Some insurers will not issue a policy for a home with a pool on the property, so you may need to shop around for providers. Other insurers or municipalities may require you to meet certain criteria, such as installing a fence around the pool or placing lights around it to reduce the risk of someone slipping or falling.

If your insurer does provide coverage for in-ground pools, the pool will likely be classified as an "other structure". This means it is considered separate from your home's structure and is covered under the "other structures" section of your policy. The coverage limit for other structures is usually about 10% of your home's dwelling coverage limit. For example, if your home is insured for $250,000, you would have a limit of $25,000 for all detached structures on your property, including your in-ground pool.

It's important to note that damage to your pool caused by general wear and tear, water damage due to neglect, or a pool cover collapse from the weight of rainwater, snow, or ice is typically not covered by standard home insurance policies. Additionally, if you do not properly maintain your pool, any resulting damage may not be covered.

To ensure you have adequate coverage for your in-ground pool, it's recommended to increase your other structures coverage limit if needed. You may also want to consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy, which provides additional liability protection beyond your standard homeowners policy.

Decks

Home insurance policies typically cover more than just the walls and roof of a home. Other structures coverage protects structures on your property that are separated from your home by a clear space or fence. This includes decks that are not attached to the home.

The coverage limit for other structures is usually about 10% of your home's dwelling coverage limit. So, if your home is insured for $250,000, you should have $25,000 in other structures coverage. However, if you have a high-value deck, you may want to consider increasing your coverage amount.

It's important to note that other structures coverage only protects the structure itself and not the contents inside. Any belongings inside these structures would typically be covered by your personal property coverage.

When it comes to coverage for decks, it's worth noting that attached decks that are typically fixed to the walls or roof of the home may not be covered under other structures coverage. Additionally, standard home insurance policies may exclude certain perils such as flooding and earthquakes, so it's important to review your policy carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.

Guest houses

Other structures insurance covers damage from causes such as fire, hail, wind, and vandalism. It also covers damage caused by the weight of ice, snow, or sleet, as well as water damage caused by burst pipes or appliance overflow. If your guest house is damaged by any of these perils, you can file a home insurance claim to be reimbursed for the damage.

The limit for other structures coverage is generally set at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. So, if your dwelling is insured for $300,000, you would have $30,000 of other structures coverage. However, this default amount may not be enough to cover the cost of repairing or replacing a guest house, in which case you may need to increase your coverage.

It is important to note that if you rent out your guest house, it may be considered a business, and you will need landlord insurance or short-term rental coverage to be properly covered. Additionally, if you have family members living in the guest house permanently, you should inform your insurance company as this may affect your insurance as well.

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