Other Structures Coverage; What’s Included in Your Homeowners Insurance

Typically your standard homeowners insurance policy will provide around 10% of its main dwelling coverage to protect other structures. These other structures can be sheds, gazebos, garages and fences. Your homeowners insurance policy should define the protections for these structures as Coverage B. In addition, your main residence would be protected by Coverage A. 

Both coverage A & B will work very similarly. As an example your gazebo is covered against windstorm damage. Other structures coverage is an extension to your homeowners insurance policies dwelling coverage, so the same exclusions will also apply. Although, Coverage B does have its rules for other types of structures it excludes. 

What structures are covered by the Coverage B section of your  homeowners insurance policy?

Coverage B is designed to protect most of the structures on your property. This will apply whether or not the structures are connected or completely separate from your home. 

Other structures that may sometimes be covered by your homeowners insurance policy:

• Sheds
• Awnings
• Detached garages
• Fences
• Pool houses
• Dock
• Barns
• Greenhouses
• Piers
• Gazebos
• Boathouses
• Mailboxes
• Guest Houses

Your homeowners insurance policy protects these structures from the same covered perils as your home. Coverage B is in place to protect your property from damages that may have come from fire, wind, lightening, and accidental water damage. 

Some of the other perils that may be covered are falling objects, tree especially. Please keep in mind that if a tree falls on your home due to neglect or poor maintenance, more than likely you will not be covered. 

Examples of why Coverage B would not cover your home

Coverage B comes with its own unique restrictions that may affect which structures are actually covered by your home insurance policy. For example, Coverage B usually does not cover the land that the home stands on. In addition, you may find that rented property is not covered. If you decide to rent out a guest house, there is a good chance it will not be covered under Coverage B. 

If you happen to use an outside structure for business purposes, there is a good chance it will not be covered under Coverage B. You may want to keep this in mind if you use a barn for commercial farming. There is insurance that can cover you for these situations but under Coverage B they are not covered. 

Your homeowners insurance policy and Coverage B are very similar in what they will not include as a covered peril. For example, earthquakes and flooding are not covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy. Although, if these are risks you wish to protect your home from, you can purchase separate earthquake insurance or flood insurance. Another similarity is the fact that your homeowners insurance will not be valid if the peril developed from poor maintenance, poor workmanship or neglect. 

Very often your standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover you for vermin, birds, pets and insects. If the gazebo somehow gets infested with termites you may find it difficult to file a claim. 

Wrapping up; If you’re in California and have questions about your homeowners insurance or would just like to look into getting a better rate, give us a call at 916 313 6100