Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Landscaping?

Homeowners insurance protects your property against unexpected events. It provides a financial safety net for the physical structure of your home and its contents, mitigating financial losses from covered damages. This coverage also extends to the exterior elements of your property, protecting your valuable outdoor spaces.

General Scope of Landscaping Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically offer coverage for landscaping elements. This coverage often applies to trees, shrubs, and plants, which are considered part of the overall property. Certain permanent garden structures, such as fences or retaining walls, might also be covered if their primary function is to support or enhance the landscape rather than serving as standalone buildings.

This coverage is typically a sub-limit within the broader policy. It is often calculated as a percentage of the dwelling coverage, usually 5% to 10% of the home’s insured value. The total amount payable for landscaping damage is capped, often with additional per-item limits.

Covered Causes of Damage

Homeowners insurance policies cover landscaping damage from specific perils outlined in the policy. These typically include events such as fire and lightning, which can cause direct damage to trees and plants. Explosions are also commonly covered.

Vandalism and theft are usually included, providing coverage if plants are intentionally damaged or stolen from the property. Damage caused by aircraft or vehicles not owned or operated by a resident of the household is also often covered. However, coverage only applies if the damage is directly attributable to one of these listed events.

Common Coverage Exclusions

Many common sources of landscaping damage are typically excluded. Damage resulting from natural disasters like floods and earthquakes is generally not covered by a standard policy; separate insurance policies are required for these events. Issues stemming from neglect, such as failing to maintain trees or plants, are also usually excluded.

Diseases, insect infestations, and damage from pests like rodents or deer are typically considered maintenance issues and are therefore not covered. Normal wear and tear, or the gradual deterioration of landscaping over time, also falls under common exclusions. Additionally, damage caused by weather conditions such as wind, hail, snow, or ice may not be covered for the landscaping itself, though it might be covered if it causes damage to a covered structure.

Understanding Coverage Limits and Valuation

Financial payouts for landscaping damage through homeowners insurance are subject to specific limits and valuation methods. The overall coverage for landscaping is frequently capped at a percentage of the dwelling coverage, commonly ranging from 5% to 10% of the home’s insured value. Within this overall limit, there are often per-item limits, meaning the insurer may pay only a specific amount, such as $500 to $1,000, for any single tree, shrub, or plant. For example, if a policy has $200,000 in dwelling coverage, the landscaping might be covered up to $10,000 in total.

When assessing the value of damaged landscaping, insurance companies typically use the Actual Cash Value (ACV) method. This approach accounts for depreciation, meaning the payout reflects the current depreciated value of the plant or tree, not its original purchase price or replacement cost. While Replacement Cost Value (RCV) for landscaping is uncommon, some specialized policies or endorsements may offer it. Policy deductibles apply to landscaping claims, meaning the homeowner is responsible for paying this initial amount before insurance coverage begins.

The Claim Process

When landscaping damage occurs, documenting the extent of the loss is a crucial initial step. Homeowners should take clear photos and videos of the damaged areas, making detailed notes about what was affected. Taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as temporarily covering exposed areas or safely moving debris, is also advisable.

The next procedural action involves contacting the insurance company to initiate the claim. This requires providing basic information, including the policy number, the date of the incident, and a description of the damage. An insurance adjuster will then typically assess the damage, and homeowners should cooperate fully, providing any requested documentation or access. Understanding the settlement offer and the subsequent repair or replacement process is the final stage, as the insurer will outline how the claim will be resolved.