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: April 23, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Decks and patios attached to your home are 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 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 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 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
Photograph and video all damage from multiple angles before touching anything. Record the date, time and cause. That documentation is your primary evidence for the claim.
- 2Prevent Further Damage
Most policies require you to take reasonable steps after a covered loss, so cover damaged areas with a tarp or secure loose boards right away. Keep receipts for emergency repair materials, because those costs are often reimbursable.
- 3Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage as soon as possible. Describe what happened, attach your documentation and include any emergency repair receipts. Ask about the timeline, claims process and your deductible.
- 4Meet With the Adjuster and Review Your Settlement
An adjuster will inspect the damage and estimate repair costs. Go through the report carefully. If the offer's too low, 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
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 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 gradual deterioration, so it's excluded from standard homeowners policies. Coverage applies to sudden, accidental damage, not decay that builds up over time. Seal, stain and maintain your deck regularly to keep rot from taking hold.
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 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 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 (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for almost a decade, first with LendingTree and now with MoneyGeek, conducting original research on hundreds of insurance companies and millions of insurance rates for insurance shoppers.
He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek, breaking down complex topics so people can have confidence in their purchase. Like all MoneyGeek analysts, Mark collects and analyzes independent cost and consumer experience data on insurance companies to provide objective recommendations in our content that are independent of any of MoneyGeek's insurance company partnerships.
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Mark holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He started his career working in financial risk management at State Street before transitioning to the analysis of the personal insurance market. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!