Fences offer maximum security for your property. To best secure your home, it’s crucial to have them installed and well-maintained. However, what happens when your fence gets damaged? You might be wondering whether your homeowners policy covers them.
Damage to fences and other structures on your property is typically covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, but only to a certain extent. Continue reading for more information.
How Are Damaged Fences Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Fences on your property are typically covered by the “other structures” coverage, commonly known as Coverage B, which is a part of every homeowners insurance. Your insurer is most likely to cover the losses under this Coverage B provided that the damage to your fences wasn’t brought on by negligence on your part and that your property has been maintained in good condition.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the coverage provided by Coverage B is typically 10% of the dwelling limit of your policy, often known as Coverage A. You may, however, opt for a higher limit on your other structures’ coverage when you purchase the policy. For instance, if the dwelling limit on your insurance is 300,000 and your policy has a 10% limit on other structures coverage, then your insurer will only pay out a maximum of 30,000 for fence damage.
Are Fences Always Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
In case the fence damage is caused by negligence on your part, no policy will cover its repair or replacement. For instance, if a tree is felled and damages your fence, your insurer will only cover the cost of the fence damage if they determine that the tree was properly cared for and wasn’t diseased. However, if your fence is well-maintained and damaged by a covered peril, then it may be eligible for repairs or a complete replacement. Additionally, you must obtain a police report in cases of vandalism before filing a claim.
It is also important to note that in case of damages caused to your fence due to a storm, your insurer will likely only pay out the coverage limit if your policy doesn’t exclude wind coverage.
In the event that a car crashes into your fence, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should, of course, kick in and cover the fence’s losses. However, you also have the choice of making a claim under your homeowners insurance policy; you would first have to pay the deductible before the insurance starts to pay.
What If My Fence Was Struck by a Neighbor’s Tree?
If the tree is strictly on your neighbor’s property, your insurer is likely to hold them accountable and pay for the damage to your fence. However, it’s crucial to remember that both you and your neighbors are held equally responsible if the fence borders both of your properties. Since you will also be held responsible in this situation, your insurer may reject the claim for your fence damage.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Damage to a Fence?
Since earthquakes and floods are covered by separate insurance policies and are not considered covered perils under a homeowners policy, your insurer is not liable for any losses caused by these natural disasters if they cause any damage to your fencing. Consider purchasing flood insurance if you reside in a flood-prone region.
How Do I Make an Insurance Claim for a Damaged Fence?
If your fence is damaged as a result of any of the covered perils, follow the steps below to file a claim:
- Take photos of the fence damage before cleaning up debris to provide proof of the covered peril’s occurrence to your insurer.
- Get an estimate from a professional for fence repairs or replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.
- Proceed with the claim if the cost of the damages exceeds your deductible.
- Contact your insurer and follow the instructions they provide for filing a claim.
- The process varies depending on the insurer; it is best to contact your insurer as soon as possible after the damages have occurred.
Cover Your Fences with Reardon Insurance Agency
Fencing is a crucial component of your property. Damage to them is undesirable because it may pose a serious threat to you and your property. Contact our experts here at Reardon Insurance Agency today to obtain the best homeowners insurance that provides maximum coverage for fences and other structures at the lowest possible cost.
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