What Is Other Structures Coverage for Homeowners?

Your home is made up of more than just the structural elements of your house. While your primary residence may be the most valuable part of your lot, you also may need to account for other property when considering insurance. Homeowners insurance typically goes beyond its name’s implications by offering coverage for additional buildings and features on your property through what is commonly called other structures coverage.

What Can Other Structures Coverage Address?

Generally, other structures coverage can share similarities with dwelling coverage that covers the primary residence on your property. This means that damage caused by the following common perils may be covered:

• Fires
• Smoke damage
• Windstorms
• Hail
• Explosions
• Burglaries
• Vandalism
• Weight of ice and snow
• Vehicle collisions
• Falling objects (e.g., tree limbs)

Conversely, other structures on your property may also be subject to the same exclusions as your dwelling. In standard policies, you’d likely need additional coverage for floods and earthquakes.

What Is Included When Referring to “Other Structures”?

Additional structures on your home may add significant value, convenience, storage and luxury to your property and lifestyle. Other structures coverage can cast a wide financial safety net over these assets, potentially helping to pay for losses and damage involving the following:

• Detached garages
• Sheds
• Fences
• Gazebos
• Guesthouses
• In-ground swimming pools
• Piers and docks

What Else Do I Need to Know?

A critical distinction between other structures coverage and dwelling coverage is that limits are typically lower for the former. In many cases, detached structures may be covered for approximately 10% of your dwelling coverage. For example, if you’ve retained $500,000 in coverage for your dwelling, your “other structures” limit would be $50,000. You should discuss your situation with your insurance agent and notify them as soon as possible if you plan to add any such features to your property.

We’re Here to Help

Contact M.L. Ruberton Agency in Hammonton, NJ, today to learn more about homeowners insurance and other structures coverage.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.