What Is Other Structures Coverage?

What does other structures coverage protect?

Covered Structures

This part of your policy typically covers a wide range of detached structures, including:

Detached garages, sheds and storage buildings: These are commonly covered, but the contents inside them are usually covered under personal property (Coverage C).

Fences and gates: Wood, vinyl, chain-link or other fencing on your property is generally included under this coverage.

Gazebos and pergolas: Decorative or functional outdoor structures are typically covered.

Driveways and walkways: These may be covered under Coverage B, depending on your policy.

Swimming pools: Some in-ground or permanently installed pools are usually covered, but the specifics can vary widely.

Guest houses or cottages: Detached living spaces may be covered, but only if they’re not used for business purposes.

Covered Perils

Just like your home’s main structure, these detached buildings and structures are usually protected against common covered events, also called perils in your policy, such as:

Fire, smoke or lightning: Damage from accidental fires, smoke and lightning strikes is typically included.

Wind and hail: Storm-related damage, like wind knocking down your fence or hail damaging your shed roof, are usually covered.

Vandalism and theft: If someone breaks into your shed or intentionally damages your fence, this coverage may help pay for repairs.

Weight of ice, snow or sleet: In colder climates, the accumulation of heavy snow and ice may cause structural damage, and the repairs are usually covered.

Falling objects and more: If a covered structure is damaged by a falling tree or other debris from a storm, Coverage B can help with repairs.

Keep in mind that coverage can depend on your specific policy and location. Some situations may require an endorsement or additional coverage.

What is excluded under Coverage B?

Maintenance-related damage: Damage from rot, rust or pest infestations is generally excluded. These issues are considered preventable through regular upkeep and are not covered under standard policies.

Contents inside structures: Personal belongings stored in detached buildings aren’t covered under other structures coverage. Instead, they fall under your personal property coverage (Coverage C).

Business use: If a detached structure is used for business purposes, like a home office or workshop, it may not be covered under your policy. You may need business insurance or a specific endorsement to protect these spaces.

Natural disasters: Damage from floods or earthquakes is usually excluded. For coverage for these risks, you would need to purchase flood insurance or add an earthquake endorsement to your policy. 

Other structures coverage limits and adjustments

Most homeowners insurance policies automatically include other structures coverage at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. This means if your home is insured for $300,000, you likely have $30,000 in coverage for detached structures.

If you have high-value detached structures, the standard 10% limit might fall short. You can customize your coverage by adding endorsements to cover specific structures or by increasing your Coverage B limit.

Get the right home insurance coverage for your needs

Other structures coverage is just one part of a standard homeowners policy. To fully protect your home and everything that comes with it, it’s important to understand the other coverages included:

Dwelling coverage: Protects the physical structure of your home against damage from covered perils in your policy.

Personal property coverage: Protects the belongings inside your home, like furniture, electronics, clothing and more, if they’re damaged in a covered loss.

Loss of use coverage: Helps pay for temporary living expenses, like hotel stays or meals, when a covered loss makes your home unfit to live in.

Personal liability coverage: Provides coverage if you accidentally cause damage or injury to another person or their property.

Your home and property can change over time. If you’ve made updates, added features or purchased valuable items, your policy might need an adjustment. Regularly reviewing your policy can help ensure your coverage keeps up with your needs.