Is Your Garage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection for your property against various risks. A common question among homeowners is whether this coverage extends to their garage. The extent of this coverage is not always straightforward and depends on several factors, including the type of garage and the specific policy details. Understanding these nuances can help ensure your garage and its contents are adequately protected.

Garage Structure Coverage

The structure of your garage is typically covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy, but the specific coverage section depends on its attachment to your home. An attached garage is considered part of the main dwelling and is generally covered under “Dwelling Coverage” (Coverage A) of your policy. This coverage protects the structure, including walls, roof, and foundation, against covered perils.

Detached garages, such as standalone structures or sheds, are typically covered under “Other Structures Coverage” (Coverage B). This section is for structures on your property not physically connected to your main home. Coverage B usually has a limit set as a percentage of your Dwelling Coverage, commonly around 10% to 20% of the Coverage A amount. For instance, if your dwelling is insured for $300,000, your detached garage might have up to $30,000 in coverage. Common perils covered for both attached and detached garage structures include fire, windstorm, hail, lightning, vandalism, and falling objects.

Personal Property Coverage in Your Garage

Personal belongings stored within your garage are generally covered by the “Personal Property Coverage” (Coverage C) section of your homeowners insurance policy. This coverage extends to items located anywhere on your insured property, including inside an attached or detached garage. Examples of items typically covered include tools, lawn equipment, bicycles, sports gear, and general household items.

Personal vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles, are not covered by your homeowners insurance policy, even if parked inside your garage. Damage to vehicles requires a separate auto insurance policy. Additionally, certain high-value items, like expensive tools or firearms, may have specific sub-limits within your personal property coverage, meaning they are only covered up to a certain amount unless you purchase additional coverage or endorsements.

Items Not Typically Covered

While homeowners insurance provides broad coverage, certain items and scenarios are generally excluded from standard policies. Perils such as flood and earthquake damage are typically not covered by a standard homeowners policy. Protecting against these risks requires purchasing separate flood insurance through a program or private insurer, and a separate earthquake policy or endorsement.

Property used for business purposes, such as inventory, equipment for a home-based business, or commercial vehicles, is typically not covered under a standard homeowners policy. This type of property requires a separate business or commercial insurance policy. Additionally, damage resulting from wear and tear, neglect, mold (unless caused by a covered peril), or pest infestations like termites, are generally excluded from coverage.

Understanding Your Homeowners Policy

To understand the specifics of your garage coverage, review your homeowners insurance policy documents. The declarations page provides a summary of your coverage limits, including Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A), Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B), and Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C). This page also outlines your deductible, which is the amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins for a covered claim.

You can find detailed information about what is covered and what is excluded in the main body of your policy document. If you have questions about specific items, coverage limits, or whether certain risks are addressed, contact your insurance agent or company directly. They can provide clarification, discuss options for increasing coverage, or help you explore additional endorsements for valuable items or perils not covered by your standard policy.