Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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Other structures coverage is usually part of your standard home insurance policy, and it’s a coverage that can’t be overlooked. This coverage protects the additional structures on your property not attached to the home itself.
While other structures coverage typically protects against the same perils as dwelling coverage, it may not apply to every structure on your property. It all depends on what caused the damage and how you use the structure.
Here’s what you need to know about other structures coverage.
What is other structures coverage?
Also known as Coverage B, other structures coverage protects structures on your property not physically part of your home. These could include a detached garage, a shed, or a fence. If a covered peril damages or destroys a structure, other structures coverage will cover the repair or replacement costs.[1]
For example, if a windstorm, fire, or hurricane damages your shed, other structures coverage may kick in and pay to repair it.
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Other structures coverage limitations
It’s important to note that other structures insurance does come with some limits. It won’t cover the contents of the structures, such as the lawn mower, sporting goods, or tools you keep in your detached garage or shed, for example. Those items are usually included in Coverage C, also known as personal property coverage.[2]
Other structures coverage also won’t protect detached structures used for business purposes. If you have a guesthouse you rent out through Airbnb or Vrbo, for example, you should consider a business or rental property endorsement.
Additionally, other structures insurance excludes any farming and ranching activities and animals. You can receive coverage for these items with an additional farm or ranch insurance policy.
What does other structures insurance cover?
Other structures coverage is designed to cover all the items on your property separated from your home and not covered by dwelling coverage.[3]
Here are several examples of other structures you might have:
Fences
Detached garages
In-ground swimming pools
Gazebos
Guesthouses
Detached patios or dining spaces
Mailboxes
Sheds
Walkways and driveways
Be sure to double-check your policy to make sure you know which structures are covered and what they’re covered against.
What does other structures insurance exclude?
Even though other structures insurance protects against a variety of items, it doesn’t apply to everything. It won’t cover:
An attached garage: Since an attached garage is part of your home, it’s protected under dwelling coverage.
Damage caused by certain perils: If an item sustains damage from a flood or another peril not covered by your home insurance policy, it won’t be covered by other structures.
Routine wear and tear: Structures are bound to naturally deteriorate over time, and they won’t be repaired or replaced by other structures insurance when they do.
Business structures: If you use a structure like a detached garage for business purposes, other structures coverage won’t apply.
How much does other structures coverage cost?
Other structures coverage is included in the cost of your homeowners insurance policy, and the average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. is $2,724 per year. Factors such as increased home values driven by the pandemic and supply chain issues have led to higher home insurance costs.
How much other structures coverage do you need?
A home insurance company typically sets your other structures coverage at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. So, if your dwelling limit is $300,000, you’ll qualify for $30,000 of other structures coverage.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the actual cash value of your personal possessions and the replacement cost of your home’s physical structure. Actual cash value coverage pays you for your property’s depreciated value, or what it’s worth today. Replacement cost covers the amount it costs to replace your property and doesn’t consider depreciation.[4]
The way your other structures claim will be calculated and paid out depends on whether your policy accounts for actual cash value or replacement cost value. If you have many structures or very expensive structures on your property, it’s a good idea to opt for replacement value coverage, as it will leave you with a higher payout. Just know this coverage will likely be more expensive.
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Other structures coverage FAQs
If you’re shopping for home insurance and still have questions about other structures coverage, this information can help.
Does other structures insurance coverage protect in-ground pools?
Your other structures coverage may include protection for an in-ground swimming pool. But if your pool is attached to your home by an enclosure or walkway, for example, it may be protected under dwelling coverage. If you have an above-ground pool, it will likely be covered by the personal property portion of your policy.
Does other structures coverage protect landscaping?
In general, home insurance covers landscaping damage, as long it’s caused by a covered peril, like fire, lightning, or theft. It can help pay to repair or replace certain trees, plants, and shrubs on your property. Note that if the landscaping damage is a result of a weather condition, like hail or wind, it might not be covered.
What are common other structures?
Several of the most common structures include detached garages, in-ground pools, sheds, detached decks and patios, driveways, and fences. Guesthouses and in-law structures are also common.
Can you remove other structures coverage?
Probably not. Even if you don’t have detached structures on your property, you’ll likely need to keep other structures coverage on your policy anyway. The good news is it only accounts for a small portion of your home insurance premium.
Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.
Edited byChris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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