Is My Fence Covered by Home Insurance?

Homeowners often wonder if their fence is covered by insurance. The answer is not always straightforward, as coverage depends on various factors specific to an individual policy and the cause of damage. Understanding these nuances is important for any homeowner seeking to protect their property. This includes knowing where a fence fits within a typical insurance structure and what events trigger coverage.

How Home Insurance Covers Fences

Fences are generally covered under the “Other Structures” portion of a standard homeowners insurance policy, often referred to as Coverage B. This part of the policy is designed for structures on your property that are detached from the main dwelling, such as sheds, detached garages, or gazebos. The coverage limit for “Other Structures” is typically a percentage of your dwelling coverage, known as Coverage A, which protects your primary home structure. Most policies set this limit at around 10% of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 under Coverage A, you would generally have up to $30,000 in coverage for other structures, including your fence.

Policyholders should always review their specific policy declarations page to confirm exact coverage limits and definitions, as these can vary.

Covered Causes of Fence Damage

Homeowners insurance typically covers fence damage when it results from specific perils listed in your policy. Common covered perils include fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, and vandalism. Damage caused by falling objects, such as trees, or by vehicles not owned by the policyholder is also often covered. The key determinant for coverage is the cause of the damage, not merely the existence of damage.

However, many causes of fence damage are commonly excluded from standard policies. These exclusions often include damage resulting from wear and tear, neglect, rot, mold, or insect infestation. Damage from animals is also not covered. Earth movement, such as earthquakes, and floods are generally excluded perils.

Navigating a Fence Damage Claim

When fence damage occurs, documenting the scene thoroughly is the first step. This involves taking clear photos and videos from multiple angles, noting the date and time of the incident to provide evidence to your insurer. After documentation, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as temporary boarding, but avoid starting permanent repairs without your insurer’s approval. Promptly contact your insurance company to initiate the claim, providing your policy number and a detailed description of the incident. An insurance adjuster will assess the damage and verify the claim’s validity.

You may be asked to provide repair estimates, and it is beneficial to obtain one if possible, especially if the estimated cost exceeds your policy’s deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and the covered damage is $3,000, the insurer would pay $2,000. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, filing a claim may not be financially beneficial, as the insurer would not pay anything. Once the claim is approved, the insurer will process the settlement, after which you can proceed with repairs, keeping all related invoices and receipts.