What Is Other Structures Coverage

 
 

Other structures coverage is an important aspect of homeowners insurance that is often overlooked. This coverage protects any structures on your property that are not directly attached to your home, such as sheds, fences, and detached garages. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, other structures coverage can save you from significant financial loss in the event of damage or destruction to these structures.

It's important to note that other structures coverage is typically included in most standard homeowners insurance policies, but the amount of coverage can vary. It's important to review your policy and ensure that you have adequate coverage for all of your property's structures. Additionally, some insurance companies may offer additional coverage options for specific structures, such as a pool house or gazebo. Understanding your coverage options and reviewing your policy regularly can help ensure that you are adequately protected in the event of any damage to your property's structures.

What is Other Structures Coverage?

Definition

Other Structures Coverage is a type of coverage that is included in most homeowners insurance policies. It provides protection for structures that are not attached to your home, such as detached garages, sheds, gazebos, fences, mailboxes, patios, decks, driveways, and sidewalks. This coverage is also known as Coverage B and is typically included in a standard homeowners policy.

The Coverage Limit for Other Structures Coverage is usually a percentage of the Coverage A limit, which is the coverage limit for your home. The percentage can vary depending on the insurance company, but it is typically around 10% of the Coverage A limit. For example, if your Coverage A limit is $300,000, your Other Structures limit would be $30,000.

Examples

Here are some examples of how Other Structures Coverage can come in handy:

  • If a tree falls on your detached garage during a storm, Other Structures Coverage can help pay for the repairs.
  • If your fence is damaged by a fallen branch, Other Structures Coverage can help pay for the repairs or replacement.
  • If your gazebo is damaged by a fire, Other Structures Coverage can help pay for the repairs or replacement.

It's important to note that certain structures may have specific limits or exclusions. For example, detached patios may have a lower coverage limit than other structures. It's important to review your policy and speak with your insurance agent to ensure that you have adequate coverage for all of your additional structures.

In conclusion, Other Structures Coverage is an important part of a homeowners insurance policy that provides protection for structures that are not attached to your home. It's important to review your policy and speak with your insurance agent to ensure that you have adequate coverage for all of your additional structures.

Why Do You Need Other Structures Coverage?

If you own a home or business, you may have heard of other structures coverage. This type of coverage is an important part of your homeowners or business insurance policy. Here are some reasons why you need other structures coverage:

Protection Against Covered Perils

Other structures coverage protects your property from damage caused by covered perils. This includes damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters such as wind, hail, and lightning. Covered perils can vary depending on your policy and endorsement, so it's important to review your coverage with your insurance agent.

Liability Coverage

Other structures coverage also provides liability coverage. If someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property, other structures coverage can help cover the costs of legal fees, medical bills, and repairs.

Coverage Limit

The coverage limit for other structures coverage is typically a percentage of your overall policy limit. This means that if you have a $500,000 home insurance policy, your other structures coverage may be limited to $50,000 or 10% of your policy limit. However, you can increase your coverage limit by purchasing additional endorsements or policies.

Other structures coverage is not just for traditional homes. It can also be useful for businesses or Airbnb hosts who have other structures on their property, such as sheds, garages, or guest houses. By having other structures coverage, you can protect your property and assets from unexpected damage or liability.

In summary, other structures coverage is an important part of your insurance policy that can protect your property from covered perils and provide liability coverage. Be sure to review your coverage with your insurance agent to ensure that you have adequate protection for your property and assets.

What Does Other Structures Coverage Cover?

Other Structures Coverage is a part of homeowners insurance that covers structures on your property that are not attached to your main dwelling. These structures can include sheds, garages, fences, and other outdoor structures. In this section, we will take a closer look at what Other Structures Coverage covers.

Coverage A

Coverage A of Other Structures Coverage typically covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding structures on your property that are damaged or destroyed by a covered peril. Covered perils may include fire, storm, wind, hurricane, snow, sleet, ice, falling objects, explosions, earthquakes, and more. It is important to note that Other Structures Coverage is usually subject to the same perils as your main dwelling coverage.

Coverage B

Coverage B of Other Structures Coverage typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing structures on your property that are damaged or destroyed by a named peril. Named perils may include fire, storm, wind, hurricane, snow, sleet, ice, falling objects, explosions, earthquakes, and more. It is important to note that Other Structures Coverage is usually subject to the same named perils as your main dwelling coverage.

Exclusions

There are some exclusions to Other Structures Coverage that you should be aware of. For example, damage caused by flooding or gradual water damage may not be covered by your policy. Wear and tear, general wear and tear, normal wear and tear, infestations, pests, and vandalism may also be excluded. Additionally, damage caused by vehicles or injuries to people on your property may not be covered.

Coverage B Limit

The coverage limit for Other Structures Coverage is usually a percentage of the coverage limit for your main dwelling. For example, if your main dwelling is insured for $300,000 and your Other Structures Coverage limit is 10%, then your coverage limit would be $30,000. It is important to review your policy to ensure that your coverage limits are appropriate for your needs.

Deductible

Like other types of insurance coverage, Other Structures Coverage typically has a deductible. This is the amount you will be responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. It is important to choose a deductible that you can afford in the event of a claim.

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value

When you file a claim for damage to a structure on your property, your insurance company will typically pay out either the actual cash value or the replacement cost value of the structure. Actual cash value takes into account the age and condition of the structure, while replacement cost value covers the cost of rebuilding the structure at current prices. It is important to review your policy to understand which type of payout you will receive in the event of a claim.

Overall, Other Structures Coverage is an important part of homeowners insurance that can help protect your property and assets. By understanding what is covered and what is excluded, you can make informed decisions about your coverage needs.

How to Get Other Structures Coverage?

When it comes to insuring your property, it's important to consider all aspects of coverage, including other structures coverage. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you have the right coverage for your property's other structures.

Questions to Ask Your Insurer

When you're shopping for insurance or reviewing your current policy, be sure to ask your insurer about other structures coverage. Here are some questions to consider:

  • Does your policy include other structures coverage?
  • What is the coverage limit for other structures?
  • What types of structures are covered under other structures coverage?
  • Are there any exclusions or limitations to other structures coverage?
  • How is the other structures coverage limit determined?

Asking these questions can help you understand the details of your coverage and make sure you have the right protection for your property.

Factors That Affect Other Structures Coverage

The amount of coverage you need for other structures can depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • The number and type of structures on your property
  • The value of those structures
  • The likelihood of damage or loss to those structures

Your other structures coverage limit is typically a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit, so it's important to make sure your dwelling limit is accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, some insurers may offer optional coverage endorsements that can increase your other structures coverage limit.

In summary, it's important to understand your other structures coverage and make sure you have the right protection for your property. Asking questions and considering factors that affect your coverage can help you make informed decisions about your insurance policy.