Does Building Insurance Cover Boundary Walls and Fences?
Find out when building insurance picks up the bill for boundary walls, fences, and gates.
Building insurance is designed to protect the structure of your home, and that can extend beyond your four walls to the boundaries of your property. But whether a damaged boundary wall or fence is covered depends on what caused the damage, and what type of structure it is. Here’s how it breaks down.
At a glance
- Building insurance typically covers boundary walls damaged by insured events like fire or vandalism.
- Fences, gates, and hedges are not covered for storm damage, flooding, falling objects, or vehicle collisions under a Lemonade policy, regardless of how severe the event.
- Wear and tear, poor maintenance, and gradual deterioration aren’t covered for any boundary structure.
- Shared boundary walls can get complicated. Ownership matters.
- Cover varies by provider, so reading your policy documents carefully is key.
When does building insurance cover boundary walls and fences?
Boundary walls, fences, and gates are considered part of your property’s structure, so they can fall under building insurance. But the type of structure matters just as much as the cause of damage.
Building insurance protects the fabric of your home: walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures, along with external structures like boundary walls and gates. For solid boundary walls, the rule of thumb is the same. If the damage was sudden and unexpected, your insurer will likely step in. Gradual damage or poor maintenance? Unlikely to be covered.
But there’s an important distinction with Lemonade’s policy: fences, gates, and hedges are specifically excluded from cover for storm damage, flooding, falling objects like trees or branches, and vehicle collisions. This applies regardless of how severe the storm or event was. So if a car takes out your garden wall, you’re likely covered. If it takes out your fence? That’s not covered under a Lemonade policy.
What types of damage are covered?
A standard Lemonade building insurance policy covers your boundary structures against certain unexpected events. Here’s a closer look:
Vehicle impact (boundary walls only)
If a vehicle collides with your boundary wall and causes damage, building insurance will typically cover the repair or rebuild costs. Document the damage straight away and, if possible, get the driver’s details. Your insurer will want them. Note: vehicle collision damage to fences, gates, and hedges is not covered.
Vandalism
If your wall or gate is deliberately damaged, your building insurance will cover the cost of repair or replacement. Report it to the police first and get a crime reference number. Your insurer will likely ask for one.
Fire damage
Boundary walls damaged or destroyed as a result of a fire are covered under building insurance. Report the incident quickly, document everything, and wait for your insurer’s go-ahead before arranging repairs.
Storm damage (boundary walls only)
High winds or severe weather that directly damages a solid boundary wall may be covered. But this does not extend to fences, gates, or hedges. Storm damage to those structures is explicitly excluded under a Lemonade policy, regardless of severity. Photos of the damage and a weather report can help support your claim for wall damage.
What types of damage aren’t covered?
Here’s the bit you don’t want to miss. There are some clear limits on what building insurance will and won’t cover when it comes to boundary structures:
- Storm, flood, falling objects, and vehicle damage to fences, gates, and hedges: This is a specific exclusion under Lemonade’s policy. None of these events are covered for fences, gates, or hedges, no matter how severe.
- Wear and tear: A fence that’s gradually leaned, warped, or rotted over time isn’t what insurance is for.
- Poor maintenance: If damage can be traced back to neglect or failure to keep your boundary structures in good repair, your insurer is likely to decline the claim.
- Gradual deterioration: Any damage that’s built up slowly over time, rather than resulting from a sudden event, is unlikely to be covered.
- Pre-existing damage: If a structure was already damaged before your policy started, you won’t be able to claim for it.
Boundary walls, fences, and gates aren’t all treated equally. Solid boundary walls have broader protection. Fences, gates, and hedges have significantly more limited cover under a Lemonade policy.
What about shared boundary walls?
Shared boundary walls, sometimes called party walls, add a layer of complexity. If a wall sits on the boundary between your property and your neighbour’s, ownership and responsibility may be split between you both.
Check your title deeds to confirm who owns what. Some policies explicitly cover shared structures, but costs may still need to be divided. If there’s a dispute about responsibility, it’s worth speaking to a solicitor who specialises in property law before making a claim.
What to do if your boundary wall or fence is damaged
If a boundary wall or fence is damaged, here’s how to handle it:
- Stay safe first. If the damage has created a hazard (an unstable wall, sharp debris), make the area safe before anything else.
- Document everything. Photos, videos, written descriptions: the more evidence, the better.
- Check your policy wording. Confirm what’s covered, what’s excluded, and what your excess is before filing a claim. Remember: fences, gates, and hedges have specific exclusions under Lemonade’s policy.
- Report it. If the damage was caused by vandalism, call the police and get a crime reference number before contacting your insurer.
- Contact your insurer quickly. Let them know as soon as possible. Delays can affect your claim.
- Hold off on permanent repairs. Wait for your insurer’s go-ahead before getting the wall or fence rebuilt, unless it’s an urgent safety issue.
With Lemonade, you can file a claim straight through the app. No phone queues, no forms to dig out. Just a few taps, and you’re on your way to getting things sorted.
Bottom line
Boundary walls and fences aren’t all treated equally under building insurance. Solid boundary walls have broader protection, covering events like vehicle collisions, vandalism, and storm damage. Fences, gates, and hedges have much more limited cover under a Lemonade policy: storm damage, flooding, falling objects, and vehicle collisions are all excluded, regardless of severity.
Lemonade’s building insurance is designed to be clear, not confusing. If you’re not sure what’s covered, your policy documents are the place to start. Or just get in touch.
Boundary walls and fences FAQs
Are boundary walls always covered under building insurance?
Not always. Building insurance covers boundary walls damaged by insured events like vehicle impact, vandalism, and fire. Storm damage to fences, gates, and hedges is specifically excluded under a Lemonade policy, as is flood damage, falling objects, and vehicle collisions affecting those structures.
Does building insurance cover storm damage to fences?
No. Storm damage to fences, gates, and hedges is a specific exclusion under Lemonade’s policy, regardless of the storm’s severity. Solid boundary walls may have storm cover, but always check your policy wording to confirm.
What about flood damage or falling trees on my fence?
Flooding, falling objects, and vehicle collisions are all specifically excluded for fences, gates, and hedges under a Lemonade policy. Boundary wall damage is treated differently, so it’s worth checking your policy wording to confirm what applies.
Who is responsible for a shared boundary wall?
Responsibility depends on ownership, which should be outlined in your title deeds. If a wall sits on a shared boundary, costs may need to be split between you and your neighbour. Some policies cover shared structures, but it’s worth confirming with your insurer and checking your deeds first.
Is accidental damage to a boundary wall covered?
Accidental damage isn’t usually included as standard. It’s typically an optional add-on. If you want cover for unexpected mishaps beyond the standard insured events, it’s worth asking your insurer about adding accidental damage cover to your policy.
What counts as a structure under building insurance?
Structures typically include the main building, as well as permanent external features like boundary walls, gates, garages, driveways, and outbuildings. This varies by policy, so always check your policy wording to confirm what’s included and make sure rebuild costs are reflected in your sum insured.
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