Does Home Insurance Cover Fences?
We won’t gatekeep this information when the stakes are this high
The average cost to repair a fence is $608.
Homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairs but will require a deductible.
Depending on the damage, it may not be worth it to submit a claim.
Your fence must be in good condition and well-maintained to get approved.
Homeowners insurance is a policy that helps cover damage to your home, property, or belongings. While it mainly covers your home, it also extends to cover secondary structures outside your home — including your fence. But how much it covers and to what extent depends on your policy and the situation. Keep reading to understand what’s at stake when it comes to fence repairs and how your insurance policy can help.
Oftentimes, fences sit directly on a property line, which can cause uncertainty about who owns it—and therefore who’s responsible for maintenance and repairs. In these instances, we recommend talking to neighbors and clarifying who is ultimately responsible for the fence.
What is Home Insurance?
Homeowners insurance covers damage due to fire, theft, weather-related issues, and more. Most lenders require this policy as part of the mortgage approval process.
Home insurance is most commonly used to repair or replace items damaged by “Acts of God” — or events outside your control, like hurricanes, tornados, wind, snow, or hail. This coverage also protects you against lawsuits if someone is injured at your home or if you’re displaced due to a tornado.
Home Insurance Fence Coverage
Home insurance primarily protects your primary dwelling, but most policies also extend that coverage to cover “other structures.” This part of your policy, sometimes called Coverage B, may pay to repair or replace a fence up to a certain amount (like 10% of your policy’s dwelling coverage).
Should I Submit a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim for Fence Repairs?
Depending on the type of fence you have and the extent of the damage, submitting a home insurance claim may not be worth it. Coverage B doesn’t typically payout as much as your main insurance, and you’ll still have to pay your deductible to get coverage.
So, consider these facts to decide if it’s worth submitting a claim:
The average homeowner’s insurance deductible is $1,000.
The average cost to repair a fence is $608.
Secondary coverage may pay as low as 10% of your total coverage.
If your damage is extensive (over $1,000) but not excessive to the point of hitting that 10% limit, submitting a claim may be worth it. But if it’s under the cost of your deductible, you’re better off hiring a fence contractor yourself and paying out of pocket.
When Is Fence Damage Not Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
There are times an insurance provider may deny your coverage, including:
If your fence wasn’t well maintained or in good condition. You must maintain your fence to receive coverage.
If the damage was caused by a flood or earthquake. This type of coverage is only available with secondary insurance policies, like flood insurance.
If it’s hit by a car. You’ll likely need to go through the driver’s auto insurance for this type of claim.
Your insurance coverage may also not cover certain additional costs like if you need a permit to build a fence. Check your homeowner's insurance policy to understand fence exclusions and when your policy won’t cover the cost.
How To File A Fence Damage Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim is pretty easy, as long as you nail down the details. Here’s how to do it:
Take photos of the damage.
Describe how the damage occurred.
Decide who to hire to build your fence.
Get estimates from local contractors.
Submit a claim with your provider.
After your insurance company receives the details of the damage, an adjuster will start working on your claim. He or she will contact you for more information and help schedule service and payout.
Typically, you will hire a contractor and submit an estimate for repairs. Some insurance providers may pay the contractor directly or reimburse you for the repair or fence removal cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home insurance typically does not cover wood rot unless caused by a sudden peril (like a burst pipe.) If the rot is caused by a lack of maintenance or other issues not covered by your policy, like improper drainage or a malfunctioning sprinkler system, a homeowners insurance plan won’t cover it.
Yes, most insurance plans cover acts of nature. In policy documents, this also may be called “Acts of God” or “natural disasters.” However, not all acts of nature are covered by your policy, and the extent to which they’re covered depends on your specific contract. Check your policy documents to understand your coverage limits and exclusions.
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover floods or earthquakes. These natural disasters are only covered by secondary policies or as an add-on via your current provider. This is because not all areas are prone to these types of disasters, so not every homeowner should have to pay for this type of coverage if it won’t be used.
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