Here's something most homeowners don't realize until they need it: that detached garage where you store your tools? The fence around your backyard? That shed full of lawn equipment? None of those are covered by the main dwelling portion of your homeowners insurance. Instead, they fall under a separate bucket called "other structures coverage," and understanding how it works could save you thousands if disaster strikes.
The good news? You already have this coverage. The potentially bad news? You might not have enough of it. Let's break down what other structures coverage actually protects, when the standard amount isn't sufficient, and how to make sure everything on your property is properly covered.
What Is Other Structures Coverage?
Other structures coverage—also called Coverage B in insurance lingo—is the part of your homeowners policy that protects buildings and structures on your property that aren't physically attached to your main house. It's automatically included in every standard homeowners policy, usually at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit.
So if your home is insured for $300,000, you automatically have $30,000 in other structures coverage. This amount is built into your premium—you're already paying for it whether you have a detached garage or not.
The coverage protects these structures from the same perils covered by your dwelling insurance: fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, vandalism, and other covered events. What it doesn't cover are things like flooding, earthquakes (you need separate policies for those), normal wear and tear, or damage from neglect.
What Structures Are Actually Covered?
The list of what counts as an "other structure" is pretty extensive. The key qualifier is that it must be detached from your main dwelling. Here's what typically falls under this coverage:
Detached garages and carports are probably the most common. Storage sheds and workshops also qualify, whether they're small garden sheds or larger workshop buildings. Fences around your property—whether they're privacy fences, decorative fencing, or chain-link—are covered. Swimming pools and hot tubs, along with any pool houses or cabanas, fall under this category too.
Other covered structures include gazebos and pergolas, detached decks and patios, driveways and walkways, outdoor kitchens and fixed barbecues, mailboxes, guest houses, tree houses, swing sets and playground equipment, and even stables or barns if you have horses or other livestock.
One important distinction to understand: other structures coverage protects the buildings themselves, not what's inside them. If a fire destroys your detached garage, Coverage B pays to rebuild the garage. But the lawn mower, tools, and bikes stored inside? Those fall under your personal property coverage, which is a separate part of your homeowners policy.
When 10% Isn't Enough
The standard 10% limit works fine for many homeowners. If you have a basic wooden fence and a small shed, that $30,000 (assuming a $300,000 dwelling limit) will likely cover replacement costs without issue. But for properties with more extensive or expensive detached structures, 10% won't cut it.
In-ground swimming pools are a perfect example. A basic in-ground pool can cost $40,000 to $80,000 or more to install. Add in a pool house, extensive decking, and fencing, and you're easily looking at six figures. That 10% default limit isn't going to cover a full replacement.
Detached garages can also exceed standard limits, especially if you have a two or three-car garage with finished interior space, electrical systems, and quality construction. Custom-built structures like sport courts, outdoor kitchens with premium appliances, or converted guest houses can also push you well beyond that 10% threshold.
Here's what to do: walk your property and make a list of every detached structure. Then estimate replacement costs—not what you paid originally, but what it would cost to rebuild today with current labor and material prices. If the total exceeds 10% of your dwelling coverage, call your insurance agent. Most insurers will let you increase other structures coverage to 20% or even 30% of your dwelling limit by adding an endorsement to your policy.
What's NOT Covered
Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered. The most significant limitation is that structures used for business purposes typically aren't covered under standard other structures coverage. If you run a photography studio out of a converted garage, or you've turned a backyard cottage into an Airbnb rental, your homeowners policy likely won't cover damage to those structures. You'll need a separate business insurance policy.
Other structures coverage also doesn't protect against the same perils excluded from your dwelling coverage. That means no coverage for flood damage (you need separate flood insurance), earthquake damage (requires earthquake insurance), or damage from lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear. If your fence is falling apart because it's old and rotting, that's on you. But if a windstorm knocks it down, you're covered.
Land features like landscaping, trees, and shrubs have their own limited coverage under most homeowners policies, but generally aren't covered under other structures. And remember, the contents stored in detached structures—your tools, equipment, seasonal decorations—are covered under personal property coverage, not other structures.
Making Sure You're Properly Protected
The best time to review your other structures coverage is when you first buy your homeowners policy, and then again anytime you make changes to your property. Adding a new shed? Building a fence? Installing a pool? These are all triggers to contact your insurance agent and update your coverage.
Document everything. Take photos of your detached structures from multiple angles. Keep receipts for construction costs, materials, and upgrades. If you ever need to file a claim, having this documentation will make the process much smoother and help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Also consider the deductible on your homeowners policy. If you have a $2,500 deductible and need to replace a $3,000 fence, you're only getting $500 from insurance. Sometimes it makes more financial sense to handle smaller repairs out of pocket and reserve insurance for major losses.
Getting Started
If you're not sure whether your current other structures coverage is adequate, now's the time to find out. Pull out your homeowners policy declarations page and look for Coverage B. That's your other structures limit. Then do a realistic assessment of what it would cost to replace all your detached structures at today's prices.
If there's a gap, contact your insurance agent about increasing your coverage. The cost to raise your other structures limit is usually modest compared to the financial protection it provides. And if you're shopping for a new homeowners policy or building a new home, make sure to discuss other structures coverage upfront so you're properly protected from day one.
Your property is more than just the main house. Those detached structures add value, functionality, and enjoyment to your home. Making sure they're properly insured means you won't face a financial setback if the unexpected happens. Take thirty minutes to review your coverage today—your future self will thank you.
