Updated: August 7, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Homeowners insurance’s other structures coverage pays to repair or replace detached structures on your property, such as fences, detached garages and guesthouses, up to 10% of your dwelling coverage.
Business or rental use of other structures isn't covered under standard home insurance policies. Purchase endorsements or a separate policy for full protection.
Flood, earthquake and maintenance-related damage to other structures aren't covered by standard homeowners insurance.
Homeowners insurance covers other structures through Coverage B, which protects detached structures on your property if a covered risk damages them. This includes:
Other structures coverage is built into most standard home insurance policies, and it’s typically limited to 10% of your dwelling coverage. For instance, if your home is insured for $500,000, your fences, sheds and other detached structures are covered up to $50,000. However, how much coverage you get varies based on your provider.
When buying a policy, ask your provider how much coverage B is included to gauge whether your limits are sufficient. If you’re planning upgrades like a guesthouse or an in-ground pool, review your other structures or dwelling coverage to ensure your policy accounts for the added value.
Damage to detached structures is covered when it’s caused by a listed peril in your policy. Below are some of the most common events that trigger coverage:
Fires that damage a shed, fence or detached garage are typically covered. Wildfires also qualify if the event is sudden and accidental.
Damage from strong winds or tornadoes, such as blown-off siding or a collapsed gazebo, is usually covered. This applies unless your policy excludes wind damage in high-risk areas.
Hail damage to roofs, siding or exterior surfaces of detached structures is generally included. This is especially common with metal-roofed sheds or garages.
Lightning strikes that cause structural damage or spark a fire in a detached structure are covered. Damage to outdoor electrical systems may also qualify.
If a tree or other object falls and hits a structure like a pergola or detached garage, the damage is usually covered. The cause must be from a covered peril like wind or ice.
Break-ins or intentional damage to structures like detached garages or pool houses are covered in most standard policies. However, payout limits may apply for stolen content.
If the roof of a structure collapses due to heavy snow or ice buildup, your policy will typically cover repairs. This is more relevant in regions with frequent winter storms.
Homeowners insurance won’t cover damage to detached structures if the cause is specifically excluded from your policy. Below are common situations where coverage usually doesn’t apply:
Damage from rising water or storm surge isn’t covered unless you have separate flood insurance. You can get this through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurance provider; some insurers also allow you to add flood protection as an endorsement.
Cracks or collapses caused by earthquakes, sinkholes or landslides are not covered under standard policies. To get protection, ask your insurer about an earthquake endorsement or purchase a standalone earthquake policy, especially if you live in a seismically active region.
Normal aging, rotting wood, rust or gradual deterioration of structures is never covered. Insurance only applies to sudden, accidental damage, not long-term neglect.
Damage due to a lack of upkeep, such as an unsealed roof or termite infestation, isn’t covered. Insurers expect homeowners to maintain all structures on their property.
If you use a detached structure for business purposes, like a home office or workshop, it may not be covered under your personal homeowners policy. You may need a commercial endorsement or a separate business insurance policy.
Destruction from rodents, insects or other pests is excluded. This includes chewed wiring or structural damage from animals burrowing or nesting.
Any damage you cause on purpose, even to a structure you own, is excluded from coverage. Insurance is meant to protect against accidents, not deliberate actions.
If your other structures exceed the default 10% limit, or if you use them for business or rent, you may need to increase your coverage or purchase additional endorsements.
Talk to your insurance provider about:
While the best homeowners insurance protects you financially, preventing damage to other structures is even better. Hazard prevention can include preparing for extreme weather or maximizing security. Here are key preventative measures for your property's structures:
Create an emergency plan and secure outdoor structures before storms, floods or high winds. Use tie-downs, reinforce roofs and seal gaps to prevent damage from wind, rain or hail.
Install motion-activated lights, cameras and strong locks on sheds, pool areas or detached garages. Report suspicious activity and store valuable items indoors when possible.
Check your other structures seasonally for signs of wear, leaks or pests. Fix minor issues early to avoid major damage that wouldn’t be covered due to neglect.
If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate smaller structures and apply waterproof sealants to vulnerable areas. Consider installing flood vents or barriers where appropriate.
Choose non-combustible roofing and siding for sheds or detached garages, especially in wildfire-prone areas. Clear brush and flammable debris at least 30 feet away from structures.
Secure fences, gazebos and carports to concrete or deeper footings to reduce the chance they’ll be blown over in windstorms. Reinforce with brackets or steel anchors when possible.
Keep a digital inventory of valuable tools, lawn equipment or recreational gear stored in detached structures. This makes filing a claim easier and faster if something is stolen or damaged.
You can purchase homeowners insurance from major insurers like State Farm, Progressive and GEICO, as well as newer companies like Lemonade and Hippo. MoneyGeek recommends shopping around for home insurance and comparing quotes from different providers to find the best option for your needs.
People in the U.S. typically pay $175 per month for homeowners insurance, though your rate may vary based on your property's value. Use MoneyGeek's personal property calculator below to estimate your policy costs.
When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.
Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.
Standard homeowners insurance does cover detached structures like fences, sheds and garages, but only up to a limit, usually 10% of your dwelling coverage. This protection, known as Coverage B or other structures coverage, applies when a covered peril, such as fire, wind or vandalism, causes damage.
You may need extra protection if you have high-value additions or use a structure for business purposes. Ask your insurer about increasing your other structures coverage or adding endorsements for risks like floods or earthquakes. Reviewing your policy limits regularly ensures your entire property is adequately protected.
Our answers to frequently asked questions break down how homeowners insurance protects other structures, what Coverage B covers and when you need extra coverage.
Yes, under Coverage B (Other Structures Coverage). However, exclusions apply for commercial use or certain natural disasters.
Yes, most insurers allow you to adjust the limit if your detached structures are worth more than the default coverage.
Yes, if they're not attached to the home and meet your insurer's criteria for Coverage B.
Standard Coverage B may not apply. You'll likely need landlord insurance or a business-use endorsement.
No, flood damage isn't covered unless you purchase separate flood insurance.
Yes, most standard homeowners insurance policies (HO-1 through HO-5) include Coverage B, but limits and terms may vary by insurer and policy type.
It depends on the value of your detached structures. If you’ve added a shed, pool or guesthouse, consider increasing your limits to reflect the replacement cost. Remember that default limits are 10% of your dwelling coverage, but this varies by provider.
No, damage to other structures is filed as part of your overall home insurance claim and is subject to your policy’s deductible and coverage limits.
Exclusions include flood damage, earthquake damage, general wear and tear, pest infestations and business-related use unless you have additional coverage.
MoneyGeek analyzed quotes from multiple insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. By considering different locations and companies, we aim to give a reliable estimate of what homeowners can expect to pay, showing why it’s important to compare rates.
Homeowner Profile
For our analysis, we created a sample homeowner profile with the following characteristics:
Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details
Unless otherwise specified, we used the following coverage limits to collect quotes for our comparison:
We also compiled data for policies with broader coverage to determine the best companies for insuring expensive homes, increasing limits to $1 million in dwelling coverage, $500,000 in personal property coverage and $1 million in liability coverage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
