What Is Other Structures on Home Insurance?

Home insurance protects homeowners from financial losses due to property damage. A standard policy comprises various coverage types, each designed to address specific aspects of a property. Among these components, “Other Structures” coverage plays a role in safeguarding parts of a homeowner’s property beyond the main dwelling.

Defining “Other Structures”

Within a home insurance policy, “other structures” refers to buildings on the property that are not physically attached to the main residence. These structures are typically separated from the dwelling by a clear space, or connected only by a fence or utility line. This distinction is significant because the main house falls under dwelling coverage, while these detached elements require their own protection.

Common examples of other structures include detached garages, storage sheds, gazebos, and fences. Guest houses, barns, and carports also fall under this category. Swimming pools are frequently considered other structures, although some insurers might classify them under dwelling coverage. Driveways and mailboxes, if detached from the main house, can also be covered.

What “Other Structures” Coverage Includes

“Other structures” coverage typically protects against the same perils that are covered for the main dwelling. If a detached garage or shed is damaged by fire, windstorm, hail, vandalism, or theft, the policy can help cover the repair or replacement costs. Other common perils often covered include lightning, falling objects, explosion, smoke, and the weight of ice, snow, or sleet. These protections provide financial assistance for rebuilding or repairing them when a covered event occurs.

The scope of protection for these structures often depends on the specific type of homeowners policy. Many standard policies, such as an HO-3 special form policy, provide “open perils” coverage for the structure itself. This means the policy covers all causes of loss unless a specific peril is explicitly excluded within the policy language. Conversely, some policies, like an HO-2 broad form, offer “named perils” coverage, which only covers the specific events listed in the policy document. This coverage applies to the physical structure itself, not to personal belongings stored inside, which are typically covered under personal property coverage.

Understanding Coverage Limits and Exclusions

The coverage amount for “other structures” is usually determined as a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit, which is the amount insuring the main house. This percentage is commonly set at 10% in standard policies. For example, if a home is insured for $300,000, the other structures coverage would typically be $30,000. Homeowners can often increase this default limit through an endorsement or by raising their main dwelling coverage if the value of their detached structures exceeds the standard amount.

Despite the broad protection, several common exclusions limit “other structures” coverage. Structures used for business purposes, such as a detached office for a home-based business or a guesthouse rented out to others, are generally not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Such uses often require a separate business insurance policy. Additionally, land itself is not covered, nor is damage resulting from wear and tear, neglect, or lack of maintenance. Gradual damage, such as from pests or mold, is also typically excluded.

Standard homeowners policies, including “other structures” coverage, typically do not cover damage from specific perils like floods and earthquakes. These catastrophic events usually require separate policies or endorsements for coverage. Homeowners should review their policy documents to understand the exact limits, covered perils, and exclusions that apply to their “other structures” coverage.