Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Fences?
Understand if your homeowner's insurance covers fence damage and what policy details determine your coverage.
Homeowner’s insurance provides financial protection for your dwelling and personal belongings against various unexpected events. Many homeowners wonder if their fence, an integral part of their property, is included in this coverage. Fences are typically covered under the “other structures” portion of a standard homeowner’s insurance policy, but the extent of this coverage depends significantly on the cause of the damage and the specific terms outlined in your policy.
Common Perils Covered for Fences
Fences are generally categorized under “other structures” coverage, often referred to as Coverage B, within a homeowner’s insurance policy. This section of your policy is designed to protect structures on your property that are not directly attached to your main dwelling, such as sheds, detached garages, and fences. Typically, the coverage limit for other structures is set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, commonly around 10% to 20% of the amount your home is insured for. For instance, if your home is insured for $300,000, your fence and other detached structures might have up to $30,000 in coverage.
Coverage for fences usually applies to sudden and accidental damages caused by specific events, known as perils. These commonly include damage from fire or lightning strikes. Standard policies often cover damage resulting from severe weather events such as windstorms and hail.
Vandalism is another common peril for which fence damage is typically covered. Damage caused by a vehicle colliding with your fence is also generally covered. If a healthy tree falls on your fence due to a covered peril like a storm, the resulting damage is usually included under your policy.
Typical Exclusions for Fence Damage
While homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for many types of fence damage, several common scenarios are typically excluded. Damage resulting from normal wear and tear is not covered. Insurers expect homeowners to perform routine maintenance to keep their property in good condition.
Issues stemming from neglect are generally excluded from coverage. Damage caused by pests or insect infestations is not covered. Damage caused by landscaping equipment is also commonly excluded.
Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover damage from certain natural disasters. Flood damage is almost universally excluded and requires a separate flood insurance policy. Damage caused by earthquakes is not covered under a standard policy and requires a separate earthquake insurance policy.
Understanding Your Policy and Filing a Claim
Understanding the specifics of your homeowner’s insurance policy is essential before filing a claim for fence damage. You should locate the “other structures” coverage section, often labeled Coverage B, to determine the maximum payout limit for your fence. This limit is frequently a percentage of your dwelling coverage, and it is important to know if this amount is sufficient to cover potential repair or replacement costs.
It is also crucial to identify your policy’s deductible, the amount you pay before coverage begins. Deductibles can be a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Reviewing your policy for any specific endorsements or exclusions related to fences can clarify what circumstances might alter your coverage.
If your fence sustains damage, the first step is to thoroughly document the incident. Take clear photographs and videos from multiple angles, capturing the extent of the damage and the surrounding area. If the damage resulted from vandalism or a vehicle collision, promptly obtain a police report, as this documentation will support your claim.
After documenting the damage, contact your insurance provider as soon as safely possible to initiate the claims process. You can typically do this by calling their main line, submitting a claim online, or contacting your insurance agent directly. Be prepared to provide your policy number, the date and time of the incident, and a detailed description of how the damage occurred. You may be asked to obtain repair estimates, which can help you determine if the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible. Once a claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to assess the damage.