Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind Damage to a Fence?
Understand how your homeowners insurance policy addresses wind damage to your fence, including coverage details, common exclusions, and the claims process.
Homeowners often wonder about insurance coverage for wind-damaged fences. Policies typically provide coverage for sudden and accidental damage, including incidents caused by wind. This article clarifies how fences are covered and outlines key factors influencing claims.
Understanding Fence Coverage
Fences are generally covered under the “Other Structures” portion of a homeowners insurance policy, also known as Coverage B. This part of your policy protects structures on your property not physically attached to your main dwelling, such as detached garages, sheds, and fences. The coverage limit for other structures is commonly set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, often around 10% to 20%. For instance, if your dwelling is insured for $300,000, your other structures coverage might be $30,000.
Standard homeowners policies typically cover fences for wind damage under an “open perils” basis, meaning any cause of damage is covered unless specifically excluded. More basic policies operate on a “named perils” basis, where windstorm and hail are usually explicitly listed as covered events. For coverage to apply, the damage must be sudden and accidental, directly caused by wind, rather than gradual deterioration.
Key Policy Considerations
Several policy elements directly influence the extent of coverage for wind-damaged fences. Deductibles are a primary factor, representing the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover repair costs. While standard deductibles are often a flat dollar amount, wind or hurricane deductibles can be a percentage of your home’s insured value, typically ranging from 1% to 5%. For example, a 2% wind deductible on a $250,000 home would mean a $5,000 out-of-pocket expense before coverage applies.
Coverage limits also play a significant role, as the payout for fence damage cannot exceed the “Other Structures” limit, even if the repair cost is higher. If your fence is valued more than your current limit, you may need to adjust your coverage.
Policies may pay out based on Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV). ACV deducts depreciation for age and wear from the replacement cost, potentially leaving a gap between the payout and the cost of a new fence. RCV covers the cost to replace the fence with new materials without deduction for depreciation. For shared fences, coverage typically falls under your own policy if the damage is due to a covered peril, and coordination with neighbors regarding their insurance may be necessary.
Common Exclusions
While wind damage is often covered, certain scenarios or types of damage are typically excluded from homeowners insurance policies. Damage resulting from normal wear and tear, age, rot, or insufficient maintenance is generally not covered. The wind must be the direct cause of the damage, not merely the final trigger for a fence already in disrepair. If the fence was poorly installed or had construction defects, damage stemming from these issues may also be excluded.
Pest infestations, such as those from termites, are typically excluded from coverage, as they are considered preventable maintenance issues. Other perils like floods or earthquakes are also standard exclusions and require separate insurance policies. Intentional damage caused by the homeowner or others is never covered.
Navigating a Claim
After a fence sustains wind damage, the initial step is to ensure safety, addressing any immediate hazards. Documenting the damage thoroughly is essential before any repairs begin. This involves taking clear photos and videos from multiple angles, capturing both close-up details and wider shots that show the overall impact. Dating and time-stamping these visual records adds credibility to your claim.
Mitigating further damage is a homeowner’s responsibility; for instance, temporarily securing loose parts or covering exposed areas can prevent additional loss. Keep detailed records and receipts for any emergency repairs or materials purchased for mitigation, as these expenses may be reimbursable. Promptly contact your insurance provider to report the claim, providing your policy number and a description of the damage.
Obtain multiple repair estimates from reputable contractors to provide to your insurer. Review your policy documents to understand your specific coverage limits, deductibles, and any applicable exclusions. An insurance adjuster will inspect the damage to assess the cause and extent of the loss, determining what is covered under your policy. Collaborate with the adjuster, pointing out all damage and providing your documentation. The claim settlement typically involves an initial payment, with further payments potentially issued upon completion of repairs if your policy includes Replacement Cost Value coverage.