Other Structures Coverage
Plain English
Other structures coverage pays for things on your property that aren't attached to the house, like a detached garage, a shed or a fence, if a covered cause damages them. Its limit is often about 10% of your dwelling limit, shared by all of them, so a large detached garage can use it up quickly.
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Definition
Other structures coverage is the part of a homeowners policy that pays to repair structures on the property that aren't attached to the house, such as detached garages, sheds and fences, after a covered loss. Its limit is often about 10% of the dwelling limit and is shared by all such structures.
Why It Matters
A big detached garage, a pool house or a long fence can be worth more than the default limit. Checking it against what's actually on your property shows whether to raise it.
Real-World Example
Imagine a home insured for $400,000, so other structures coverage of about $40,000. The property has a detached garage worth $55,000 to rebuild and a $6,000 fence. If a fire destroyed the garage, the coverage could pay up to $40,000, less the deductible, leaving a gap unless the limit had been raised.
Common Misconceptions
- Assuming the dwelling limit covers detached structures.
- Forgetting that one limit is shared by all detached structures.
- Assuming a structure used for a business is treated the same way.
Key Takeaways
- The 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."
- The Insurance Information Institute: detached structures get coverage "generally for about 10 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of the house."
- The limit can often be raised by endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fence covered?
Generally yes; the Texas Department of Insurance lists fences as an example.
What's it commonly confused with?
Dwelling coverage, which pays for the house and anything attached to it, such as an attached garage.
Related Terms
Related Coverages
- Homeowners Insurance
Related Scenarios
Explore the rest of the Homeowners Insurance category.
Browse Homeowners Insurance terms →Sources
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 page 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.