Yes, house insurance typically covers fences. Most homeowners insurance policies include fences in their “other structures” coverage. This means that your insurance company will pay to repair or replace your fence if it is damaged by a covered peril, such as a fire, storm, or vandalism.
What factors do insurance companies consider when determining coverage for fences?
Several factors can affect whether or not your fence is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. These factors include:
- The type of fence: Some types of fences, such as chain-link fences, are more likely to be covered by insurance than others, such as wooden fences. This is because chain-link fences are generally less expensive to repair or replace than wooden fences.
- The age of the fence: Insurance companies may be more reluctant to cover older fences, as they may be more susceptible to damage.
- The cause of the damage: If the fence was damaged by a covered peril, such as a fire or storm, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairs. However, if the fence was damaged due to negligence or wear and tear, your insurance company may not cover the cost of repairs.
What to Do if Your Fence is Damaged?
If your fence is damaged, you should follow these steps:
File a claim with your insurance company
As soon as possible, contact your insurance company and file a claim. Be sure to provide the insurance company with all of the details of the damage, including the date and time of the damage, the cause of the damage, and the cost of repairs.
Consider Alternative Solutions
If your insurance company denies your claim, or if you are not satisfied with the amount of coverage they are offering, you may want to consider alternative solutions. This could include repairing the fence yourself, hiring a contractor to repair the fence, or replacing the fence with a less expensive type of fence.
Tips for Preventing Fence Damage
There are a few things you can do to prevent your fence from being damaged:
- Regularly inspect your fence for signs of damage.
- Trim trees and bushes that could fall on your fence.
- Secure your fence properly to prevent it from being blown over by the wind.
Are fences covered by other types of insurance, such as property insurance?
No, fences are not typically covered by property insurance. Property insurance is designed to cover damage to your home and its contents, not to outdoor structures such as fences.
Are there any exclusions to homeowners insurance coverage for fences?
Yes, there are a few exclusions to homeowners insurance coverage for fences. These exclusions may vary depending on the insurance company, but they may include:
- Damage caused by neglect or wear and tear.
- Damage caused by pests or vermin.
- Damage caused by earthquakes or floods.
Are fences required to have a separate insurance policy?
No, fences are not required to have a separate insurance policy. If your fence is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, you do not need to purchase a separate policy for it.
Can I file a claim for damage to my fence with my homeowner’s insurance company?
Yes, you can file a claim for damage to your fence with your homeowner’s insurance company, as long as the damage was caused by a covered peril. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see what perils are covered under your policy.
