What Is Other Structures Coverage in Home Insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies provide protection for various aspects of a property, extending beyond just the main residence. One such component is “other structures coverage,” which addresses buildings and fixtures on the insured premises that are not physically attached to the primary dwelling. This standard inclusion in a homeowners policy is designed to safeguard these separate constructions from covered events. Understanding this specific coverage helps property owners recognize the scope of protection for their entire estate.

Defining Other Structures Coverage

Other structures coverage in a homeowners insurance policy refers to buildings or constructions located on the insured property that are physically detached from the main house. These structures serve various purposes but are distinct from the primary dwelling, offering functional additions to the property. The intent of this coverage is to provide financial protection for these separate constructions in the event of damage from covered perils, ensuring comprehensive property protection.

Common examples of structures falling under this definition include a detached garage, used for vehicles or storage. Storage sheds, used for gardening equipment or tools, also qualify for this coverage. Fences enclosing the property perimeter or defining specific areas are also generally considered other structures, extending the policy’s reach to boundary elements.

Gazebos and unattached carports are further illustrations of qualifying structures. Even smaller, permanently affixed constructions like a separate pump house for a well or a detached guest house, if not rented to non-tenants, can fall into this category. It is a general requirement that these structures are on the policyholder’s premises and not connected to the dwelling by a roof, foundation, or other load-bearing walls, maintaining their independent classification.

Standard Coverage and Limits

The coverage amount for other structures in a standard homeowners insurance policy is determined as a percentage of the dwelling coverage. This percentage commonly ranges from 10% to 20% of the main dwelling’s insured value. For instance, if the main dwelling is insured for $300,000, the other structures coverage might be $30,000 or $60,000, depending on the specific policy terms and insurer.

This coverage generally protects against the same perils as the main dwelling. These commonly include fire, windstorm, hail, and the impacts of falling objects, such as trees or satellite dishes. Protection also extends to losses resulting from theft, vandalism, and the weight of ice, snow, or sleet, ensuring a similar scope of protection for detached property elements as for the main house.

This coverage applies to the physical structure itself. This means the policy will address damage to the shed’s walls, roof, or foundation, for example, but not the contents. Personal property stored within these other structures, such as lawnmowers in a shed or tools in a detached garage, falls under the personal property coverage section of the homeowners policy, which is a distinctly separate coverage type designed for movable belongings.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

While other structures coverage offers significant protection, certain scenarios and types of structures are not covered under a standard policy. Structures used primarily for business purposes, such as a detached office for a home-based enterprise or a separate workshop generating regular income, generally fall outside this coverage. This exclusion reflects the heightened risk associated with commercial activities on a residential property, often necessitating specialized business insurance.

Structures rented out to individuals who are not tenants of the main dwelling are also commonly excluded. For example, a detached guesthouse rented separately to a non-resident would not be covered under the standard homeowners policy, requiring a landlord policy. Damage resulting from neglect, lack of proper maintenance, or gradual deterioration over time is universally excluded, as insurance is designed for sudden, accidental losses, not routine upkeep.

Specific perils like flood or earthquake are excluded from standard homeowners policies, including other structures coverage. These natural disasters require separate insurance policies or endorsements for coverage. The land itself, or features like driveways, patios, and retaining walls, are generally not covered unless specifically endorsed or listed as part of the dwelling in some specialized policies.