Is a Fence Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides a financial safeguard for property owners, protecting against unexpected damages and losses. Your home is a significant asset, and a homeowners policy helps mitigate the financial impact of unforeseen events. This coverage extends beyond the main dwelling to include other structures on your property, such as fences. Understanding the specifics of this coverage helps manage your property’s protection.

Understanding Fence Coverage

Fences are typically covered under the “other structures” portion (Coverage B) of a homeowners insurance policy. This coverage is distinct from the main dwelling coverage (Coverage A) and applies to structures detached from your primary residence, such as sheds, detached garages, or gazebos. The coverage limit for other structures is commonly 10% of your dwelling coverage. For example, a home insured for $300,000 might have $30,000 in coverage for other structures.

Coverage for fences generally aligns with the “perils” listed in your policy, meaning the specific causes of damage that are covered. Many standard homeowners policies cover other structures for the same perils as the main house. Common named perils include fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, vandalism, and falling objects like trees. Damage caused by these specific events would trigger coverage, assuming it is not subject to an exclusion.

The reimbursement you receive for a damaged fence depends on whether your policy covers actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV). Actual cash value coverage accounts for depreciation, meaning the payout will reflect the fence’s depreciated value at the time of loss, which is its replacement cost minus wear and tear. Conversely, replacement cost value coverage reimburses you for the full cost of replacing the fence with new materials of similar kind and quality, without deduction for depreciation. Fences are often covered at actual cash value, which can result in a lower payout than the cost of a new fence.

Common Exclusions from Coverage

Homeowners insurance policies contain common exclusions that limit coverage. Damage resulting from a lack of maintenance, such as wear and tear or deterioration over time, is generally not covered. This also includes issues like rot, rust, or damage from pests such as termites.

Certain natural disasters are excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. Flooding damage, for instance, requires a separate flood insurance policy, often available through the National Flood Insurance Program. Similarly, damage caused by earthquakes is excluded and necessitates a distinct earthquake insurance policy.

Damage caused by neglect or improper installation is not covered. If the fence was not installed correctly or maintained over time, leading to its damage, an insurance claim may be denied. Intentional damage caused by the homeowner or anyone residing in the household is universally excluded, as insurance is designed for unforeseen accidental losses, not deliberate acts.

The Fence Damage Claim Process

Initiating a claim for fence damage involves several steps. Immediately after discovering damage, document everything thoroughly by taking photographs and videos from various angles, noting the date and time of the incident. Taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage, if safe to do so, is also advisable.

Before contacting your insurer, review your policy documents to understand your specific coverage limits, deductible amount, and the exact perils covered. Gathering repair estimates from at least two reputable contractors can also provide a clear financial picture of the damage. This preparatory work streamlines the subsequent stages of the claim.

To start the claim, contact your insurance provider by phone or through their online portal, providing all the documented information and estimates you have collected. An insurance adjuster will be assigned to assess the damage in person, verifying the cause and extent of the loss. This assessment determines the amount of the payout, which will be subject to your policy’s deductible.