Decks and patios are covered by home insurance, but the extent of coverage depends on whether the structure is attached to your home and what caused the damage. Your policy covers decks and patios under two categories, depending on whether they're attached to the main dwelling:
Does Home Insurance Cover Decks and Patios?
Updated: March 27, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Decks and patios attached to your home are typically covered under dwelling coverage (Coverage A), while detached structures fall under other structures coverage (Coverage B), usually capped at 10% of your dwelling limit.
Decks and patio damage are only covered by named perils such as fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, and vandalism, but excludes gradual deterioration, rot, and flooding.
If your deck or patio repair cost is close to or less than your deductible, it may be smarter to pay out of pocket rather than file a claim to avoid a potential rate increase.
Does Home Insurance Cover Decks and Patios?
Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)
A deck or patio physically attached to your home (such as a deck built onto the side of the house) is typically classified as part of the dwelling and covered under Coverage A. This means it receives the same level of protection as the rest of your home's structure, up to your dwelling limit.
Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)
A patio or deck detached from the main structure (such as a freestanding gazebo or a detached garden patio) falls under Coverage B (Other Structures). This coverage is typically set at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit by default. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, you'd have $30,000 in other structures coverage.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Deck and Patio Damage?
Standard homeowners policies typically cover damage caused by the following named perils. Always verify your policy's covered perils list on your declarations page.
Wind and Hail Damage
Severe storms that cause hail damage or high winds that tear apart deck boards or a patio cover are generally covered named perils. Tornado and hurricane-related wind damage may also be covered, depending on your policy and location.
Lightning Strikes
A direct lightning strike that causes structural damage or fire to your deck or patio is a standard covered peril under most homeowners policies.
Vandalism and Malicious Mischief
If someone intentionally damages your deck or patio, breaking boards, spray painting, or otherwise vandalizing the structure, most standard policies will cover repair or replacement costs, minus your deductible.
When Decks & Patio Aren't Covered?
Several types of damage are routinely excluded from standard homeowners policies. These exclusions determine whether you need additional coverage.
Wear and Tear / Gradual Deterioration
Homeowners insurance is designed for sudden, accidental damage, not the slow degradation of materials over time. Rotting wood, rusting metal, or a patio that has aged and crumbled will not be covered. Regular maintenance is the homeowner's responsibility.
Flood Damage
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding, including storm surges or overflowing bodies of water. If heavy rain floods your backyard and damages your patio, you'd need a separate flood insurance policy through the NFIP or a private insurer.
Pest and Termite Damage
Damage caused by insects, rodents, or other pests, such as termites eating through deck boards, is explicitly excluded from most policies. This is considered a maintenance issue, not a sudden covered peril.
Earth Movement / Settling
If your patio cracks or sinks due to soil erosion, settling, or ground movement, standard policies will not cover the repairs. Earthquake damage is also excluded unless you carry a separate earthquake endorsement or policy.
Covered scenarios apply only if your policy includes the relevant coverage. Standard homeowners policies vary, so always check your declarations page and speak with your insurer to confirm your protections.
Optional Add-Ons to Better Protect Your Deck or Patio
If your standard homeowners policy leaves gaps in coverage for your outdoor structures, endorsements or separate policies may fill them. Talk to your insurer about the following options:
Endorsement / Add-On | What It Covers |
|---|---|
Extended Other Structures Coverage | Increases the default 10% Coverage B limit for detached structures like patios, gazebos, and freestanding decks. |
Flood Insurance (NFIP or Private) | Covers damage caused by flooding, storm surges, or overflowing bodies of water, which standard policies exclude. |
Earthquake Endorsement | Covers structural damage from earthquakes or ground shaking, including patio cracks and deck collapses caused by seismic activity. |
Service Line Coverage | Covers damage to underground service lines (gas, electric, water) that may affect your patio or deck's utility connections. |
How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim for Deck or Patio Damage
If your deck or patio has been damaged by a covered peril, follow these steps to file a successful claim with your homeowners insurance provider.
- 1Document the Damage Immediately
Before touching or removing anything, take photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles. Note the date and time the damage occurred and what caused it. This documentation is important evidence for your claim.
- 2Prevent Further Damage
Most policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered loss. This might mean covering a damaged area with a tarp or securing loose boards. Keep all receipts for emergency repair materials (these costs may be reimbursable).
- 3Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer as soon as possible. Provide documentation, a description of what happened, and any emergency repair receipts. Ask about the claims process, expected timeline, and your deductible amount.
- 4Meet With the Adjuster and Review Your Settlement
Your insurer will send a claims adjuster to inspect the damage and estimate repair costs. Review the adjuster's report carefully. If the settlement offer is too low, you have the right to request a second inspection or hire a public adjuster to negotiate on your behalf.
Deck and Patio Coverage: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance does cover decks and patios, but only under the right circumstances. Attached structures fall under dwelling coverage; detached ones fall under other structures coverage at a lower limit. Covered causes of damage include fire, wind, hail, lightning, and vandalism. Exclusions include flooding, wear and tear, pests, and earth movement. To make sure you have adequate protection, compare quotes from top homeowners insurance companies to make sure you're getting the best value.
Understanding Deck and Patio Protection: FAQ
These FAQs explain how homeowners insurance protects decks and patios, including coverage limits, exclusions and key considerations.
Is a deck considered part of a house for insurance purposes?
Whether a deck is classified as part of the house depends on whether it is attached or detached. An attached deck (one physically connected to your home's structure) is typically considered part of the dwelling and covered under Coverage A. A detached deck or patio structure falls under Coverage B (Other Structures) and is usually insured at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit by default.
Does homeowners insurance cover a rotting deck?
No. Rot is considered gradual deterioration and is explicitly excluded from standard homeowners policies. Homeowners insurance covers sudden, accidental damage, not damage that develops over time due to neglect or normal aging. Regular sealing, staining, and maintenance are your best defenses against rot-related losses.
Will my homeowners insurance cover a deck destroyed by a fallen tree?
Yes, in most cases. If a tree falls on your deck due to a windstorm or another covered peril, the structural damage is typically covered under dwelling or other structures coverage. Most policies also cover reasonable debris removal costs. If the tree fell due to neglect, such as a dead tree you knew was hazardous, your claim could be denied.
Does home insurance cover patio furniture?
Patio furniture is typically covered under your policy's personal property coverage (Coverage C), not as part of the structure itself. Coverage generally applies if the furniture is damaged by a covered peril such as fire, theft, or vandalism. Personal property coverage for items kept outside may be subject to additional limitations. Check your policy's off-premises personal property sublimits.
How much coverage do I have for a detached patio or gazebo?
Most standard homeowners policies provide other structures coverage equal to 10% of your dwelling limit. If your home is insured for $300,000, you'd have $30,000 in Coverage B for all detached structures combined, including fences, sheds, detached garages, and patios. If that limit isn't enough to cover your outdoor investments, ask your insurer about increasing your Coverage B limit.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.