What is other structures coverage in home insurance?

The other structures coverage portion of your homeowners insurance covers any structures on your property that are not attached to your home. That can include detached garages, fences, sheds and pools.

On a standard home insurance policy, other structures coverage, known as Coverage B is included at 10% of the dwelling coverage, which is based on the replacement cost of your home. However, you can increase this coverage if it’s not enough.

Other structures coverage does have exclusions, so it’s important to know what’s covered and what’s not.

What is Coverage B or other structures coverage?

Other structures coverage is Coverage B on a standard homeowners policy.

“This [coverage] applies to structures that are set apart from your home, such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways, fences, pools, detached garages, carports, boat docks and gazebos,” says Greg Pannhausen, head of homeowners product at Farmers Insurance.

Coverage B homeowners insurance protects detached structures against the same perils as your home. Since a standard home insurance policy is open perils, structures on your property are covered for anything not specifically excluded by the policy.

Examples of other structures covered by home insurance

Almost any physical structure on your property that’s not attached to your primary house is considered an “other structure.” Common examples of other structures include:

• In-ground pools
• Patios
• Detached garage
• Guesthouse
• Shed
• Fence

How much does other structures coverage cost?

Gauging the cost of other structures home insurance is difficult because it is a standard part of your homeowners insurance policy and included in the overall premium.

While Coverage B is generally listed on the premium breakdown found on your home insurance declarations page, you may not find a separate cost for it listed there. In most cases, it’s simply listed as included in the dwelling coverage cost.

However, if you have chosen to increase your coverage beyond what’s included in the policy, you will see the extra cost listed.

What is covered by other structures coverage and what is not?

Coverage B home insurance offers protection for most detached structures. However, several things are excluded. Those structures may be covered by other portions of your policy, like personal property coverage. 

Here’s a list of what is and isn’t covered by detached structures insurance. Remember that policies may vary.

Keep in mind that certain structures you might think are considered detached structures may not be covered. For example, under some home insurance policies, above-ground swimming pools and hot tubs/jacuzzis are actually insured as personal property.

You can consult your home insurance policy documents to see exactly what other structures are covered under your specific policy.

How much coverage do I need for other structures?

Standard homeowners policies typically allocate 10% of the primary dwelling insurance to other structures. That means if your dwelling or structure coverage limit is $400,000, you would have $40,000 in other structures coverage.

If you feel the policy doesn’t offer adequate coverage, you can typically add an endorsement to your homeowners policy, which will raise your coverage limits. However, buying more coverage will likely increase your premium.

Review your other structures coverage any time you change or add to the structures on your property. For example, if you install an in-ground swimming pool or a gazebo, you should ensure your other structure policy limits are adequate for your new additions.

How to make an other structures insurance claim

Filing an other structures insurance claim is similar to filing any other home insurance claim. The process is usually straightforward, but it helps to have the right documentation. Your home insurance deductible will apply to an other structures claim.

Here are the steps to follow if you need to file a detached structures claim:

1. Survey the damage: Inspect the damage if it’s safe to do so. Take pictures and videos of the damage, and write down a description of what happened and when.
2. Call your insurance company: Notify your insurance company immediately after the loss. Many insurance carriers let you file claims online or through a mobile app. Otherwise, you can call an agent and let them know you want to file a claim. You’ll be asked to submit some paperwork and provide photos and other evidence of the damage.
3. Work with the adjuster: Your adjuster will inspect the damage and determine how your coverage applies. They’ll then issue a settlement check to begin repairs. In some cases, you may receive an initial check and then a second check when repairs are complete and the full cost is known.

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