Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fences?

Homeowners insurance protects your dwelling and other structures from unexpected events. Fences are integral to privacy and security, but their coverage depends on policy details, cause of damage, and classification. Understanding these nuances helps homeowners manage expectations.

How Fences Are Classified in Home Insurance

Fences are typically categorized under “Coverage B: Other Structures” in a standard homeowners policy (e.g., HO-3). This section covers structures separate from your main dwelling, including sheds, detached garages, gazebos, and fences.

The “Other Structures” coverage limit is generally a percentage of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), often around 10%. For example, a $300,000 home might have $30,000 coverage for fences and other detached structures. This limit applies to the total repair or replacement cost for all structures under Coverage B. Review your policy for exact limits and terms.

Common Causes of Fence Damage Covered

Homeowners insurance typically covers fence damage from unexpected events like windstorms, hail, and lightning. If strong winds or hail damage your fence, your policy would likely cover repairs up to stated limits.

Other covered causes include fire, smoke, and vandalism. A healthy tree falling on your fence is typically covered. Damage from vehicles not owned by the insured, like a car crashing into your fence, may also be covered.

Common Causes of Fence Damage Not Covered

While homeowners insurance protects against many perils, standard policies typically exclude several common causes of fence damage. Wear and tear, rot, rust, or other deterioration over time are generally not covered; insurers consider these routine maintenance and natural aging. Damage from insects (e.g., termites) or animals is also usually excluded, as these are often preventable.

Lack of maintenance or neglect can lead to denied claims; an insurer might not cover damage if your fence was already in disrepair. Standard policies typically do not cover damage from natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, which require separate policies. Intentional damage by the policyholder, household members, or pets is also not covered.

Financial Considerations for Fence Claims

Financial aspects of a fence damage claim involve deductibles, coverage limits, and depreciation. Your policy’s deductible applies before any payout, meaning you pay a predetermined amount. For example, if repairs cost $1,500 and your deductible is $1,000, the payout is $500. Assess if repair costs significantly exceed your deductible before filing, as frequent claims can impact future premiums.

Fences fall under “Other Structures” coverage, often limited to 10% of your dwelling coverage. This is the maximum your insurer will pay for covered damage to your fence and other detached structures. Policies differentiate between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV) payouts. ACV accounts for depreciation, resulting in a lower payout than a new fence. RCV covers the cost of replacing the fence with a new one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.

Steps for Filing a Fence Damage Claim

When your fence sustains damage from a covered peril, thoroughly document it with clear photos and videos. If caused by vandalism or a vehicle, obtain a police report.

Promptly contact your insurer or agent to report the damage and understand their filing procedures. They will ask for incident details and may require documentation. An adjuster will assess the damage, verifying the cause and estimating repair costs. Obtain repair estimates from qualified contractors to compare with the adjuster’s assessment.