What Is Other Structures Coverage on Home Insurance?
- Bergen Insurance Group
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Many homeowners focus primarily on protecting the main house when reviewing their homeowners insurance policy. However, your property may include additional structures that can also be expensive to repair or rebuild after a loss.
Detached garages, sheds, fences, gazebos, pools, and similar structures may all fall under: Other Structures Coverage
This coverage is an important part of many homeowners policies and helps protect structures on your property that are separated from the main dwelling.
This article explains how Other Structures Coverage works, what may or may not be covered, common claim examples, important exclusions, and why homeowners in New Jersey should regularly review their coverage limits.
What Is Other Structures Coverage?
Other Structures Coverage is the part of a homeowners insurance policy that helps protect structures on your property that are not physically attached to the main home.
Examples may include:
Detached garages
Sheds
Fences
Gazebos
Pergolas
Pool houses
Detached workshops
Detached barns
Driveway gates
Detached storage buildings
These structures are typically insured separately from the main dwelling coverage.
How Much Other Structures Coverage Do You Have?
Many homeowners insurance policies automatically include Other Structures Coverage as a percentage of the dwelling coverage amount.
For example:
If your home is insured for $500,000
Your policy may automatically provide 10% for Other Structures
Resulting in $50,000 of coverage
Coverage percentages and limits vary by insurance company and policy form.
Homeowners with large detached garages, expensive fencing, workshops, or multiple structures may need higher limits.
What Does Other Structures Coverage Typically Cover?
Other Structures Coverage generally applies to covered losses such as:
Fire
Windstorms
Lightning
Hail
Vandalism
Falling trees
Certain types of water damage
Damage caused by vehicles
For example:
A windstorm damages a detached garage roof
A fire destroys a backyard shed
A fallen tree damages fencing
Hail damages a pool house
Claims are subject to policy terms, deductibles, exclusions, and coverage limitations.
What Is NOT Covered?
Other Structures Coverage does not apply to every type of loss.
Common exclusions may include:
Flood damage
Earthquake damage
Wear and tear
Rot or deterioration
Insect damage
Mold
Neglect or poor maintenance
Intentional damage
Coverage limitations and exclusions vary by policy.
Flooding that damages detached structures generally requires separate flood insurance coverage.
Does Other Structures Coverage Apply to Detached Garages?
In many cases, yes.
Detached garages are one of the most common structures covered under this portion of a homeowners policy.
Coverage may apply to:
Garage structure damage
Roof damage
Fire losses
Storm damage
Damage caused by falling trees
However, homeowners should understand:
Personal property stored inside the garage may fall under separate coverage
Business use may create limitations or exclusions
Rental or commercial use may require different insurance
Are Fences Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?
Often yes — for covered losses.
For example:
Windstorm damage
Fire damage
Vehicle damage
Fallen tree damage
However, fences are commonly excluded for:
Flood damage
Wear and tear
Gradual deterioration
Some insurance companies may also place limitations on certain fencing materials or older structures.
What About Pools, Gazebos, and Backyard Structures?
Many homeowners invest heavily in outdoor living spaces.
Structures such as:
Gazebos
Pergolas
Pool houses
Detached patios
Outdoor kitchens
Cabana structures
may qualify as Other Structures under a homeowners policy if detached from the main home.
However, pools and outdoor features may also increase:
Liability exposure
Umbrella insurance needs
Property value
Replacement cost considerations
Homeowners should review coverage carefully after adding outdoor structures.
Why Other Structures Coverage Matters in New Jersey
New Jersey homeowners often have:
Detached garages
Backyard sheds
Fencing
Finished outdoor spaces
Older detached structures
Storm exposure
Tree-related risks
Severe weather, hurricanes, nor’easters, windstorms, and falling trees can cause significant damage to detached structures.
In areas like Bergen County and North Jersey, replacement costs for fencing, detached garages, and backyard structures can become expensive quickly.
Common Other Structures Claim Examples
Fallen Tree on Detached Garage
A storm causes a tree to fall onto a detached garage, damaging the roof and structure.
Fence Damage After Windstorm
High winds knock down sections of fencing around a backyard.
Shed Fire
An electrical issue causes a fire in a detached storage shed.
Vehicle Damages Fence
A car slides on icy roads and crashes into a fence or driveway gate.
Hail Damage to Pool House
Severe hail damages roofing and siding on a detached pool structure.
Other Structures vs Personal Property Coverage
Many homeowners confuse: Other Structures Coverage with Personal Property Coverage
The difference:
Other Structures Coverage protects detached buildings and structures
Personal Property Coverage protects belongings inside those structures
Example:
Damage to a detached shed itself → Other Structures Coverage
Damaged tools stored inside the shed → Personal Property Coverage
Understanding this distinction is important during claims.
Should You Increase Your Other Structures Coverage?
Some homeowners may need higher limits if they have:
Large detached garages
Expensive fencing
Multiple sheds
Workshops
Barns
Outdoor kitchens
Pool houses
High-end backyard improvements
Reviewing replacement costs periodically can help avoid underinsurance after a major loss.
Additional Tips for Homeowners
Homeowners can help protect detached structures by:
Trimming trees regularly
Maintaining roofing and siding
Inspecting fencing and gates
Securing outdoor structures
Updating insurance after renovations
Documenting structures with photos
Reviewing coverage limits annually
Keeping records and photos may help simplify the claims process after a loss.
Final Thoughts on Other Structures Coverage
Other Structures Coverage is an important part of many homeowners insurance policies and helps protect detached structures such as garages, sheds, fences, and outdoor buildings from covered losses.
Because detached structures can be expensive to repair or rebuild, homeowners should review coverage limits regularly and understand how their homeowners insurance policy applies to structures beyond the main house.
At Bergen Insurance Group, we help New Jersey homeowners review property insurance coverage options and identify potential gaps in protection before a loss occurs.
FAQs
What is considered an other structure on homeowners insurance?
Other structures are buildings or structures on your property that are not attached to the main home, such as detached garages, sheds, fences, and gazebos.
Are detached garages covered under homeowners insurance?
In many cases, yes. Detached garages are commonly covered under Other Structures Coverage for covered losses.
Are fences covered by homeowners insurance?
Often yes, for covered losses such as windstorms, fire, or vehicle damage.
Does Other Structures Coverage include sheds?
Usually yes, if the shed is detached from the main home and the loss is covered under the policy.
Does flood insurance cover detached structures?
Flood damage is generally excluded under standard homeowners insurance policies and may require separate flood insurance.
Does Other Structures Coverage Apply to Driveways and Sidewalks?
Sometimes. Homeowners insurance may cover driveways or sidewalks if the damage is caused by a covered loss, such as a fallen tree or vehicle impact. Wear and tear or cracking from age is generally not covered.
Are Detached Structures Covered at Replacement Cost?
It depends on the policy. Some homeowners policies provide replacement cost coverage for detached structures, while others may settle claims based on actual cash value or include limitations for older structures.
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage availability, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and eligibility requirements may vary by carrier and individual situation. Please contact Bergen Insurance Group to discuss your specific insurance needs and coverage options.
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