Updated: May 22, 2024
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Other structures coverage under your homeowners insurance policy protects detached structures on your property, such as sheds, garages and fences, from damage due to fire, vandalism and some natural disasters. This coverage ensures the protection of not just your main home but also these valuable additions, giving you peace of mind that your policy will cover repairs if they are damaged.
Other structures coverage protects detached buildings and fixtures on your property, such as sheds and garages, from various perils.
The coverage limits for other structures are typically a percentage of your total home insurance coverage, often around 10%.
While coverage for other structures is comprehensive, it doesn't cover earthquake and flood damages, which require additional policies.
Other structures coverage in homeowners insurance extends protection to detached buildings and fixtures on your property, apart from your main dwelling. This includes sheds, detached garages, fences and even swimming pools.
This coverage can help cover the repair or replacement costs for additional structures damaged by perils such as fire, vandalism or severe weather. It's an essential component of homeowners insurance, ensuring comprehensive protection for your entire property.
While other structures coverage isn't legally required for homeowners, it's often included in standard homeowners insurance policies. Most mortgage lenders mandate home insurance to protect their investments. Even if you own your home outright, having home insurance, including coverage for other structures, offers valuable peace of mind against unforeseen damages.
Other structures coverage in home insurance protects detached buildings and fixtures on your property from risks like fire and vandalism. It provides financial assistance for repairs or replacements when covered events damage these structures. Here are some common incidents that this coverage includes:
Although other structures coverage typically includes damages due to these events, remember to check the details of your home insurance policy if you want protection from a specific peril for your property.
Other structures coverage does not cover events like earthquakes and acts of war, which can damage detached structures such as sheds, garages, fences or swimming pools. Here are some events that are typically not covered under other structures coverage:
While other structures coverage protects against many perils, these exclusions require additional precautions or specialized policies if you want coverage for them.
Other structures coverage usually has limits based on a percentage of your total home insurance, typically around 10%. These limits set the maximum amount your insurer will pay for damages to detached structures on your property.
Given the costs of repairs or replacements, it's important to check these limits to make sure they match the value of your additional structures. If the value of your detached structures exceeds these limits, you might need to increase your coverage or look into extra insurance options.
The amount of home insurance coverage you should get for other structures depends on the value of the detached buildings and fixtures on your property. While it varies based on individual circumstances, a common recommendation is to allocate 10% of your total home insurance coverage for other structures.
For instance, if you have insured your home for $300,000, consider setting aside $30,000 for other structures coverage to ensure comprehensive protection. Adjust this amount based on your detached structures' actual value and replacement cost.
Understanding other structures coverage in homeowners insurance will help ensure comprehensive protection for your entire property. We addressed frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions.
Yes, other structures coverage typically comes with deductibles separate from the deductible for your main dwelling. Review your policy details to understand the deductible amount applicable to other structures on your property.
In most homeowners insurance policies, driveways are not considered other structures. They are typically considered a part of the main dwelling. Therefore, damages to driveways are usually covered under the main dwelling coverage rather than other structures coverage.
Other structures in homeowners insurance policies refer to detached buildings and fixtures on your property, separate from your main dwelling. This includes sheds, detached garages, fences and even swimming pools. Any structure not physically attached to your main house usually falls under this coverage.
While you can adjust your coverage levels, completely removing coverage for other structures might not be advisable. If you have detached buildings or fixtures on your property, this coverage protects them from unexpected damages. However, if you believe the coverage isn't necessary based on your property's setup, consult your insurance provider to discuss your options and potential implications.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
