Is a Blown Over Fence Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection for a dwelling and other structures on a property. While the primary residence is often the main focus, policies also extend to detached structures like sheds, detached garages, and fences.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Fences

Fences on a property are typically covered under the “Other Structures” portion of a homeowners insurance policy, often referred to as Coverage B. This part of the policy is designed for structures separate from the main dwelling but located on the same property. Common examples include detached garages, sheds, and gazebos.

The extent of coverage for fences depends on the type of homeowners policy held. Policies like HO-1 and HO-2 are “named perils” policies, covering only specific listed perils. In contrast, HO-3 and HO-5 policies are “open perils” for the dwelling and other structures, covering damage from any cause unless specifically excluded. Most standard policies, such as HO-3, typically limit “Other Structures” coverage to about 10% of the dwelling’s insured value.

Wind Damage and Fence Coverage

Wind damage is generally a covered peril under most standard homeowners insurance policies, particularly HO-3 and HO-5 forms. These policies consider windstorms a sudden and accidental event that warrants coverage for damaged property. However, the presence of wind as a covered peril does not guarantee coverage in all situations.

Coverage may be denied if the fence damage resulted from a pre-existing condition, such as rot, decay, or a lack of maintenance that compromised its structural integrity before the wind event. Policies may also have specific exclusions or higher deductibles for damage caused by named hurricanes or tropical storms, impacting the payout. If a fence is on a shared property line, and the damage is attributed to a neighbor’s property or negligence, the claim might fall under the neighbor’s liability coverage instead. Fences used for a business operation on the property, rather than for personal residential use, are typically excluded from standard homeowners coverage. The key factor for coverage often lies in determining if the “blown over” event was a sudden, unforeseen windstorm or if the wind merely exposed an underlying structural issue.

Factors Influencing Coverage and Payout

When a fence is damaged, the homeowner is responsible for paying a deductible before the insurance coverage begins. This deductible is the out-of-pocket amount the policyholder must pay for a covered loss. For fence damage, this often falls under the “Other Structures” deductible, which might be a standard flat amount or a percentage of the dwelling’s coverage. Policy limits for “Other Structures” coverage are typically set as a percentage of the main dwelling’s coverage, commonly ranging from 10% to 20%. For example, if a home is insured for $300,000, the fence might be covered up to $30,000.

The financial payout for fence damage can also vary based on whether the policy provides Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage. ACV coverage pays for the cost of replacing the fence minus depreciation. This means an older fence will likely receive a lower payout under ACV. Conversely, RCV coverage pays for the cost to replace the fence with a new one of similar kind and quality without deduction for depreciation, up to the policy limits.

Steps After Fence Damage

Upon discovering fence damage, property owners should immediately document the extent of the damage. This involves taking clear photographs and videos from various angles, capturing both the overall damage and specific broken sections. This visual evidence is crucial for supporting an insurance claim.

After documenting, take reasonable steps to prevent any further damage to the property, if safe to do so. This might include temporarily securing loose sections or clearing debris. Avoid making permanent repairs until the insurer has assessed the damage. Promptly contact the insurance provider to report the claim, providing all collected documentation. Finally, obtain multiple estimates for repair or replacement from reputable contractors to present to the insurance company.