Are Fences Covered Under Home Insurance?

Home insurance protects your dwelling and personal belongings from unexpected events. Policies categorize property, with fences generally falling under “Other Structures” coverage. Understanding how your policy addresses these detached elements is important for homeowners.

Common Coverage for Fences

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy typically includes coverage for fences under “Other Structures” coverage. This coverage applies to structures not attached to your main dwelling, such as sheds, detached garages, and fences. The coverage limit for other structures is commonly set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, frequently around 10% of the amount your home is insured for. For instance, if your home is insured for $300,000, your fence and other detached structures would typically have up to $30,000 in coverage.

Coverage for fences usually applies when damage occurs due to sudden and accidental events. Common covered events include fire, lightning, severe weather (windstorms, hail), vandalism, theft of fence components, and falling objects like trees.

Damage caused by vehicle collisions can also be covered under your homeowner’s policy, though a claim might also be filed against the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance. It is important that the fence is in a reasonably maintained condition for coverage to apply. Neglecting upkeep could potentially affect the insurer’s decision to cover the damage.

What Home Insurance Typically Excludes

While home insurance protects fences from many unforeseen events, some damage types are generally not covered by a standard policy. Damage resulting from normal wear and tear is a common exclusion, as policies are designed for sudden, accidental losses rather than gradual deterioration. This also extends to issues like rot, mold, and rust, which develop over time due to environmental factors or lack of maintenance.

Pest infestations, such as damage caused by termites or other insects, are typically excluded from standard coverage. Similarly, damage that arises from neglect or intentional acts by the homeowner will not be covered.

Natural phenomena like earth movement (earthquakes, landslides) are almost universally excluded from standard policies. Flood damage is another significant exclusion, meaning water damage from events like overflowing rivers or significant surface water accumulation will not be covered. For these types of perils, separate insurance policies are generally required.

Expanding Your Fence Coverage

Homeowners can expand coverage for perils not typically included in a standard policy. For instance, if you live in an area prone to flooding, purchasing a separate flood insurance policy is necessary to cover flood-related damage to your fence and other structures. This coverage is usually obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Similarly, a distinct earthquake insurance policy is required for protection against earthquakes or landslides, as these are standard exclusions.

To address concerns about the coverage limit for other structures, homeowners can often purchase endorsements or riders to increase the percentage of dwelling coverage. Some insurers may allow increasing this limit beyond the typical 10% if you have particularly valuable detached structures. These endorsements can also be tailored to add coverage for specific risks not covered by the base policy. Discuss these options with your insurance provider to understand available endorsements and their impact on premiums.

Filing a Claim for Fence Damage

If your fence is damaged and you believe it’s covered, documenting the damage is the first important step. Take clear photographs and videos of the damaged areas from multiple angles, noting the date and time of the incident. This visual evidence is important for your claim and can help expedite the process. Also, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, if it is safe to do so.

Next, review your policy documents, focusing on “Other Structures” coverage and your deductible. Your deductible is the out-of-pocket sum you pay before coverage begins. Most standard home insurance deductibles range from $500 to $2,000, though some may be percentage-based. If the estimated repair cost is less than your deductible, filing a claim may not be financially beneficial.

Contact your insurance provider promptly to initiate the claim process. This can be done via phone, online portal, or by contacting your agent. The insurer will assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage, its cause, and extent of loss. Cooperate fully with the adjuster, providing documentation and estimates, to ensure a smooth appraisal and settlement.