What Is Other Structures Coverage in Homeowners Insurance?
Your
homeowners insurance helps protect your house, but your policy also includes other structures coverage. This helps protect other buildings and objects on your property from getting damaged by a covered peril. For example, if a tree falls down on your shed during a storm, this coverage can help pay to repair it.
What Does Other Structures Cover in Home Insurance?
Other structures coverage can help cover detached structures on your property, such as:
- Detached garages
- Fences
- Sheds
- Swimming pools
- Guest houses
- Gazebos
- Barns
If other structures on your property get damaged, this insurance coverage can help pay your costs to repair or replace them.**
Are Other Structures Included in My Homeowners Insurance?
Many insurance companies offer other structures coverage as part of a standard homeowners insurance policy. It’s a good idea to look through your policy because there is a coverage limit. In standard policies, other structures on your property are typically covered up to 10% of your
dwelling limit.
For example, if your dwelling coverage is $250,000, your other structures limit would be $25,000. If your repair or replacement costs are more than your other structures coverage limit, you’ll have to pay the difference. So if a fire damages your detached garage and it costs $30,000 to replace, you’ll have to pay $5,000 out of pocket plus your deductible, unless you buy an endorsement to increase your other structure limit.
How Much Other Structures Coverage Do I Need?
From pools to fences, other structures on your property may be expensive to fix or replace. With home insurance, other structures coverage limits are based on the dwelling limit. So, you’ll want to let your insurer know if you make any improvements. For example, putting up additional structures on your property, like a detached garage, will likely increase the value. You may need to add an endorsement to increase your policy limit for other structures coverage.
What Additional Coverages Do I Need?
In addition to other structures and dwelling coverage, your homeowners policy also includes
personal property coverage and liability coverages. However, the more coverage you choose, the more peace of mind you’ll have. Some other types of insurance to consider include:
- Other structures on the residence premises coverage for extra protection when the value of your other structures exceeds the policy limit.
- Structures rented to others residence premises coverage which gives you extra protection for structures rented as a private resident.
- Valuable items blanket coverage, which gives extra protection for your jewelry, silverware, china or other valuables.
- Homeowners equipment breakdown coverage to help protect important appliances and other systems in your home. This does not cover normal wear and tear.2
Get a Home Insurance Quote
We’re here to help protect you, your family and your home. Our team of specialists can help you get the right coverage for your property and answer any questions you have about other structures coverage. Get a
homeowners insurance quote today and learn how we can meet your needs.
** Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
2 This coverage pays for the repair or replacement of appliances, electronics and other home systems after a mechanical or electrical breakdown. Equipment breakdown coverage also provides coverage if you want to make “green” upgrades. It pays up to 125 percent of your cost to replace any covered equipment with items that are similar, but more energy efficient or environmentally friendly.