When most people picture their homeowners insurance, they think about the house itself. But your property usually includes more than just the walls you sleep inside, and that is where other structures coverage comes in. Other structures coverage helps protect detached garages, sheds, and fences on your property.
At April Jones Insurance, we compare dozens of carriers to find the right fit for you. Let’s walk through what this coverage is, how it works, and how to make sure you have the right amount. And when you’re ready, reach out for a quote and we will make sure the structures around your home are protected too.
Understanding the Basics of Other Structures Coverage
Other structures coverage is the part of a homeowners insurance policy that covers the buildings on your property that are not attached to your house. It is often called Coverage B, and it sits right alongside your dwelling coverage.
Think of it this way. Your dwelling coverage protects the main house, while other structures coverage protects everything separate from it.
This means structures like a detached garage, a guest house, or a backyard shed fall under this category. These additional structures are typically covered against the same covered perils that protect your home.
How It Differs From Dwelling Coverage
The difference between dwelling coverage and other structures coverage comes down to what is attached and what is not. Anything connected to your house, like an attached garage or a sunroom, falls under your dwelling coverage instead.
Detached structures, on the other hand, are covered under Coverage B. Knowing this distinction helps you understand how much coverage you actually have for each part of your property.
What Other Structures Coverage Includes
So what does other structures coverage actually cover in practice? It applies to a wide range of detached structures on your property, and the list is broader than many homeowners expect.
Here are some common examples of what is usually included:
Common Examples of Covered Structures
- Detached garages, which are one of the most frequently covered structures
- Sheds used for storage or gardening tools
- A fence around your yard or property line
- A guest house or in-law suite separate from the main home
- Gazebos, carports, and detached workshops
In many cases, swimming pools and the equipment around them may also fall under this coverage. The exact details depend on your specific homeowners policy and your insurance company.
What Perils Are Usually Included
Other structures coverage generally protects against the same perils as your main home. This often includes fire, wind, hail, theft, and falling objects like a tree limb during a storm.
Because coastal weather can be unpredictable, this kind of protection matters for many North Carolina homeowners. A strong storm that damages your fence or detached garage is exactly the kind of event this coverage is designed to help with.
How Much Other Structures Coverage Do You Have?
Other structures coverage is usually automatically included in standard home insurance policies, often set at a percentage of your dwelling coverage. In most cases, this coverage limit is around 10% of your dwelling coverage amount.
So if your home is insured for $300,000, you might have roughly $30,000 in other structures coverage. Also, the same deductible that applies to your dwelling, applies to your other structures.
When the Standard Limit Is Not Enough
That percentage works well for many properties, but not all of them. If you have a large detached garage, an expensive fence, or a guest house, the standard policy limit may fall short.
In those situations, you can often increase your coverage limit to better match the replacement cost of your structures. An insurance agent can help you figure out whether your current limits make sense for what you actually own.
Structures Used for Business Purposes
It is worth noting that structures used for business purposes are not always covered the same way. For instance, a detached workshop you rent out or use to run a company may be excluded from a standard policy.
If you use any structures on your property for business, it is smart to ask about this directly. There may be separate coverage options that fit your situation better.
What Other Structures Coverage Does Not Cover
While this coverage is helpful, it does have limits. Understanding what is excluded helps you avoid surprises when you file a claim.
The land itself is not covered, only the structures on it. Damage from certain perils, like floods or earthquakes, may also be excluded unless you have a separate policy.
Items Inside the Structures
Another point worth understanding is the difference between the structure and what is inside it. Other structures coverage protects the building, while your personal property coverage protects the belongings stored within it.
So if a fire damages your shed, the structure may fall under Coverage B, while the tools and equipment inside fall under your personal property coverage. Knowing how these pieces work together helps you build complete protection for your property.
It is also worth knowing that vehicles are not covered here, even when they are parked inside a detached garage. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles are covered under your auto insurance policy instead, not your homeowners coverage.
Why the Right Coverage Limits Matter
Your home is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make, and the structures around it add real value too. Replacing a detached garage or rebuilding a fence after a storm can cost far more than people expect.
Having the right amount of other structures coverage means you’re not left paying out of pocket to repair or replace something.
Working with an independent agency makes this easier. Because we work with many insurance carriers, we can compare options and help you find coverage that fits both your property and your budget.
Let Us Help You Get the Coverage Right
Other structures coverage is one of those details that is easy to overlook, but it can make a real difference when something goes wrong. Reviewing your homeowners insurance policy now means you will know exactly what is protected before you ever need to file a claim.
If you are not sure whether your current limits are enough, we are here to help. Contact April Jones Insurance and let us help you protect what matters most, the right way.
Homeowners Also Ask These Questions About Other Structures
What is other structures coverage on homeowners insurance?
Other structures coverage, also called Coverage B, is the part of your homeowners insurance that protects detached structures on your property. This includes things like a detached garage, shed, fence, or guest house that are not attached to your main house.
How much other structures coverage do I need?
In North Carolina, most standard home insurance policies set this coverage at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. If you have valuable structures like a large detached garage or guest house, you may want to increase that amount to match the replacement cost.
Are swimming pools covered under other structures coverage?
In many cases, swimming pools and related equipment are covered as other structures, since they are separate from the home. The exact coverage depends on your insurance company and your specific homeowners policy, so it is worth confirming the details.
Is other structures coverage automatically included in a homeowners policy?
Yes, other structures coverage in North Carolina is automatically included in standard home insurance policies with admitted carriers. It comes built in as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, though you can often adjust the limit to fit your needs.