Other Structures Coverage
Other structures coverage protects things in your yard not created by mother nature, like your driveway, fence, shed, or detached garage.
Other Structures coverage is part of your homeowners insurance, and it protects things on your property or connected to your home not created by mother nature or connected to your home—like your driveway, fence, pool, shed, detached garage, tree house, and so on.
What is other structures coverage?
If structures on your property are damaged, your other structures coverage (or ‘coverage B’ in insurance lingo) can pay for the repairs.
And what types of damages are your other structures covered for? The same perils as your home! So if your dwelling coverage (insurance lingo for coverage for your home’s structure) says you’re covered for risks like theft, fire, and vandalism, your other structures will most likely be covered too.
How much other structures coverage do I need?
You’ll notice your other structures coverage defaults to 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. For instance, if you’ve got $500,000 worth of coverage on your home, you will automatically be provided with $50,000 of coverage on your other structures.
While many smaller structures such as fences and small sheds can typically be replaced in the event of a loss for less than 10% of the average dwelling coverage limit, some structures may require additional coverage. Think in-ground pools, sport courts (such as basketball or tennis), outdoor kitchens or fixed barbeques, pool houses, detached garages, and stables or barns.
5 tips for estimating your other structures replacement cost
- Consider the size, construction materials, and construction quality of your structures.
- For dwelling-like other structures (think pool houses and the like), consider how their size and construction quality compare to your house itself.
- If you recently had a structure installed, the price you paid for it may be appropriate to use as long as it has not changed since the installation, but keep inflation and other market changes in mind.
- When in doubt, consult a local contractor or business that specializes in the construction of the structure for an estimate.
- If you have multiple other structures, you’ll need to add the replacement cost of each of those structures together to determine the total amount of coverage you’ll need for your ‘other structures’. This includes structures such as fencing, hardscaping, landscaping walls, patios, carports, decks, driveways, fountains, hot tubs, portable buildings, solar panels, storage sheds, and sidewalks.
What if you don’t have any ‘other structures’?
Even if you don’t have any “other structures,” you’ll still be provided other structures coverage with a limit of 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. This amount is automatically included in your homeowners policy at no additional cost.
If any other structures are added to your property, you’ll want to consider increasing your ‘other structures’ coverage limit if the cost to replace all other structures exceeds 10% of your dwelling coverage limit.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
