Short answer: Usually yes, under "other structures" coverage (Coverage B). Detached garages, sheds, fences, gazebos, pool houses and similar structures are typically covered against the same perils as your home, often up to a limit set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Structures used for business or rented out may be excluded, and ADUs may need separate attention.
What counts as an other structure
Other structures are those separated from your home by clear space, or connected only by a fence, utility line or similar connection. Examples:
- Detached garages and carports
- Sheds and workshops
- Fences and gates
- Gazebos, pergolas and pool houses
- Retaining walls, in some policies
- Driveways and walkways, in some cases
- Ground-mounted solar. See does homeowners insurance cover solar panels.
How the limit works
Many policies set other structures coverage at a percentage of the dwelling limit, commonly 10%. If you have a large detached garage, guest house or long fencing, that may not be enough. You can usually increase the limit for an added premium.
Covered perils
Typically the same as your dwelling: fire, wind, hail, lightning, vandalism, falling objects (like trees) and vehicle impact. See fallen tree: who pays.
Common exclusions
- Business use: a structure used for business may be excluded. See does homeowners insurance cover a home business.
- Rented to others: structures rented to someone who isn't a tenant of the main home, except a private garage, may be excluded.
- Wear and tear, rot and termites. See does homeowners insurance cover termite damage.
- Earthquake and flood
- Settling and cracking
ADUs and guest houses
An ADU is often more valuable than the other structures limit allows, and renting it out can trigger exclusions. See does homeowners insurance cover an ADU in California and ADU insurance.
Fences between neighbors
If a fence on the property line is damaged by a covered peril, the owner's policy typically responds. If it's jointly owned, both owners may share costs. California's Civil Code §841 presumes adjoining landowners share responsibility for boundary fences, with exceptions.
Contents of structures
Items stored in a shed or garage are usually personal property (Coverage C), not other structures. Tools, bikes and lawn equipment may have theft conditions. See does homeowners insurance cover e-bikes.
Wildfire areas
Fences and sheds attached to or near homes can carry fire to the house. Some mitigation programs focus on these. See wildfire mitigation insurance discounts.
Common scenarios
Wind knocks down your backyard fence. Typically covered under other structures, minus the deductible.
A fire destroys your detached garage and the car inside. The garage is other structures; the car is auto comprehensive; tools and belongings are personal property.
You run a woodworking business out of your shed. Business use may exclude the shed. Consider business coverage.
A neighbor's tree falls on your shed. Typically your policy responds for a covered peril.
Checklist
- ☐ List all detached structures and estimate their rebuild cost
- ☐ Compare that total with your other structures limit
- ☐ Increase the limit if needed
- ☐ Disclose business use or rentals
- ☐ Insure ADUs appropriately
Questions to ask your broker
- What is my other structures limit, and is it enough?
- Are structures used for business excluded?
- How is my ADU covered?
Key terms
- Coverage A: the dwelling.
- Coverage B: other structures, like detached garages, sheds and fences.
- Coverage C: personal property, including items stored in those structures.
- Declarations page: the summary of your limits, deductibles and endorsements.
- Endorsement: a change to the policy that adds, removes or modifies coverage.
Bottom line
Detached structures are easy to overlook until a fire, storm or falling tree reminds you they exist. Add up what it would cost to rebuild your garage, fencing, sheds and other structures, compare it with your other structures limit, and raise it if needed. Tell your insurer about business use or rentals, since those are common reasons claims run into trouble.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See homeowners insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a detached garage?
Usually yes, under other structures coverage, against the same perils as your home.
How much other structures coverage do I have?
Often a percentage of your dwelling limit, commonly 10%. Check your declarations page.
Is my fence covered by homeowners insurance?
Typically yes, for covered perils like wind, fire and vehicle impact.
Is a shed used for business covered?
It may be excluded. Business use often requires separate coverage.
Are items in my shed covered?
Usually under personal property coverage, not other structures.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.