Storm Damaged A Detached Shed
The situation: A storm flattened my shed and knocked down part of the fence. Is that covered by my homeowners policy, and is it the same coverage as my house?
Quick Answer
Detached structures such as sheds, fences and detached garages are typically covered under the other structures part of a homeowners policy, which usually has its own limit, often about 10% of the dwelling limit. Wind damage is commonly covered, but a separate wind or hail deductible may apply, and the shed's contents fall under personal property.
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What Happened
The Okafor family's home is insured for $300,000, so their policy's other structures coverage is $30,000. A spring windstorm tore the roof off their wooden shed and knocked down 40 feet of fence. A contractor estimated $6,500 to rebuild the shed and $3,200 for the fence. Their policy has a separate 1% wind and hail deductible on the dwelling limit, so $3,000. The garden tools and mower inside the shed were handled under their personal property coverage, under the same storm claim.
Likely Relevant Policies
- Homeowners Insurance
Potential Coverages
Other Structures Coverage High likelihood
Structures not attached to the house, such as sheds, fences and detached garages, are typically covered here, subject to its own limit.
Personal Property Coverage Medium likelihood
Tools, equipment and other belongings stored in the shed are generally covered as personal property, subject to the policy's terms.
Debris removal Possible likelihood
Many policies pay some cost of removing storm debris, often within or in addition to the coverage limit, depending on the policy.
Possible Exclusions
- A separate wind or hail deductible, sometimes a percentage of the dwelling limit, can be much larger than the standard deductible.
- Damage from wear and tear or rot that existed before the storm is generally excluded.
- A structure used for business or rented to someone else may be excluded from other structures coverage, depending on the policy.
Questions That Determine Coverage
- What is your other structures limit, as shown on the declarations page?
- Does a separate wind or hail deductible apply, and how is it calculated?
- Does the policy pay replacement cost or actual cash value for the shed?
- Was any of the damage there before the storm?
- Is the shed used for a business or rented out?
Recommended Immediate Actions
- Make sure the area is safe, including any downed power lines.
- Photograph the damage before cleaning up.
- Prevent further damage where you safely can, such as covering exposed contents, and keep receipts.
- List the damaged contents of the shed.
- Report the claim and ask which deductible applies.
Documents to Collect
- Photos and video of the damage
- Repair or rebuild estimates for the shed and fence
- Receipts for emergency repairs or tarps
- A list of damaged contents, with receipts where you have them
- Any photos of the shed and fence from before the storm
Common Claim Process
The insurer generally handles the shed, the fence and their contents in one storm claim. The structures are paid under other structures, up to its limit, and the contents under personal property. One deductible usually applies to the claim. If it's a wind or hail deductible, it's often a percentage of the dwelling limit. Replacement cost policies may pay in two steps, holding back depreciation until the work is done.
Potential Outcomes
- The structures are paid under other structures coverage, less the deductible, up to its limit.
- If a percentage wind deductible applies, a smaller claim may be mostly or entirely absorbed by it.
- Contents are paid under personal property, possibly at actual cash value, depending on the policy.
Risk Prevention Tips
- Anchor sheds and secure loose items before storms.
- Trim trees and branches near structures.
- Keep photos of your structures and their contents, and update them after changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does other structures coverage pay?
Up to its own limit, which is often about 10% of the dwelling limit, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Your declarations page shows the actual figure.
Is a fence an "other structure"?
Generally, yes. The Texas Department of Insurance lists detached garages, storage sheds and fences as examples.
Does my wind deductible apply to the shed?
If the damage is from wind and your policy has a separate wind or hail deductible, it generally applies to the claim. Check how it's calculated.
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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 scenario describes how a loss like this commonly goes, not how your claim will be decided. Coverage depends on your policy's wording, limits and deductibles, your state, and the facts. Confirm specifics with your insurer.