Detached Garages, Sheds and Docks at a Vacation Home: Are They Covered?
Learning goal: Know how other structures coverage works at a second home, and why its default limit may be too low.
Short answer
Usually under other structures coverage, which pays for buildings not attached to the house, like detached garages, sheds and fences. Triple-I says it's generally about 10% of the dwelling limit. At a vacation home with a boathouse, dock or guest cabin, that may not be enough, so check the limit and ask how docks are treated.
Read to the end to complete this lesson.
On this page
The Fuller Picture
Vacation properties often have more outbuildings than a primary home: boathouses, docks, storage sheds, a bunkhouse. The default limit is a percentage of the dwelling coverage, which may fall short when there are several structures.
Key Takeaways
- Texas Department of Insurance: "Other structures coverage pays to repair structures on your property that aren't attached to your house."
- "This includes detached garages, storage sheds, and fences," TDI says.
- Triple-I says it's generally for "about 10 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of the house."
- Docks and boathouses may be treated differently by some policies; ask your insurer.
- You can usually raise the other structures limit for an added premium.
Real-World Example
A cabin with a boathouse
The Nguyens insure their lake cabin for $200,000, so their other structures limit is $20,000. The property also has a detached garage, a boathouse and a dock worth about $55,000 together. They ask their agent to raise the other structures limit and confirm how the policy treats the dock.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming 10% is enough for all the outbuildings.
- Not asking how docks or boathouses are treated.
- Forgetting to list new structures added later.
Interactive Exercise
Count your outbuildings
Walk the property with your policy in hand.
Tick each step as you do it. Your checklist is saved in this browser.
Knowledge Check
Question: A cabin's dwelling coverage is $300,000. If other structures coverage is 10%, what is its limit?
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Related Insurance Terms
Related Scenarios
Questions to explore next
Questions readers often ask next about this topic:
- Is my dock covered by homeowners insurance?
- How do I raise my other structures limit?
- Does it cover a guest cabin?
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- Home insurance guideTexas Department of Insurance
- What is covered by standard homeowners insurance?Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)
Educational information, not advice: This lesson is for general education only, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Actual coverage, discounts, and requirements depend on your policy’s wording, your insurer, and the laws of your state. Confirm specifics with your own insurer or a licensed agent before making a decision. Insurpedia does not sell insurance and does not recommend specific insurers. Other structures points come from the Texas Department of Insurance and Triple-I.