Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Landscaping?

All standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage to landscaping. This type of damage is typically covered by the policy's dwelling coverage.

The dwelling coverage in your homeowners insurance policy will pay to replace or repair your home's physical structure if it is damaged due to a covered peril. This is often your homeowner's insurance policy's highest coverage limit. If your landscaping is damaged, you are required to provide evidence that the cause of the damage is a risk that is covered by your homeowners insurance. If you can prove that, your policy will cover the damage.

Although your homeowners insurance policy’s dwelling coverage extends protection to your property's landscaping, coverage will only be provided under certain conditions. Examples of covered events are outlined below.

Note that the scenarios presented here are examples. Your landscape may also be covered if it is damaged by heavy snow, hail or wind. Theft of landscape-related property is also generally protected. Water damage caused by burst pipes or malfunctioning sump pumps will be covered. To determine whether structures and belongings are protected, you must contact your homeowner's insurance provider.

Although coverage for damages to your landscaping is included in your homeowner's insurance policy, the following damages may not be covered:

• If your landscape is damaged due to natural floods, you will need a separate flood insurance policy to cover the repairs.
• Damages by mudslides and earthquakes are also not covered.
• Landscapes damaged by pests and insect infestations are also not covered.

Despite the fact that your homeowners insurance policy covers landscaping damages, it is in your best interest to take the required measures to protect your home's landscape. It’s easier to take steps to protect your landscape than to file a claim and oversee repairs.

Homeowners insurance is available from most major insurance companies, such as State Farm, Progressive and GEICO, as well as smaller ones, such as Lemonade and Hippo. The average monthly cost of homeowners insurance is around $175. However, the price may differ from one company to the next.

Comparing homeowners insurance policies is a good way to get the best deals. The amount of personal property that you choose to cover can also affect your overall insurance premiums. MoneyGeek offers a personal property calculator to help you estimate the cost of a homeowners insurance policy.