Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B) is the portion of your home insurance policy that covers the cost of rebuilding or repairing structures on your property other than your home if they’re damaged because of a covered peril such as fire, wind, or hail. This includes detached garages, sheds, and other detached buildings on your property – even fences – that may become damaged by a named peril.
Typically, a standard home insurance policy will provide 10% of the total dwelling coverage as protection for additional structures. For example, if you have $100,000 worth of coverage for the structure of your home, your policy would include $10,000 of coverage for other structures.
If you have more than one detached building on your property or an updated garage, you may need additional coverage above and beyond the standard 10%. Talk to a home insurance agent about scheduling an endorsement, which could raise your policy limits for your Other Structures protection.
Other structures coverage – what customers want to know
The best way to really get to know a certain coverage type is to see it in action. Here, you don’t have to file a claim to be in the know. Check out fellow a customer’s question to get a general idea of how your policy works.
During a recent windstorm, an old tree fell in our yard and crushed our detached garage. We need to replace it ASAP. Is this covered under our home insurance policy even though it’s not connected to our home?
Lillian P – Roanoke, VA
Reduce your risk of Other Structures claims
There are certain steps you can take to prepare your home and family for potential disasters in your area. You can apply many of those same steps to avoid risks to your other structures as well. Read our homeowner tips and you can potentially avoid claiming damage to the other structures on your property.
Standard home insurance coverages
Your home insurance protection presents a total package, not just dwelling coverage. Home insurance is more than a sum of its parts, but understanding those parts can help you get the best whole product. These coverage types typically are included in a standard policy:
Coverage A- Dwelling
Coverage B- Other Structures on Your Property
Coverage C- Personal Property/Contents
Coverage D- Loss of Use
Coverage E- Personal Liability Protection
Coverage F- Medical Payments