Other structures coverage is a portion of your homeowners insurance policy. As the name suggests, it protects other structures on your property, either attached or detached.
For a greater understanding of how structures coverage works, here are the basics:
What does “other structures insurance” cover?
Structures like fences, gazebos, detached garages and in-ground pools all count as "other structures."
These structures are generally covered for the same perils as the rest of your home. These covered perils include fire, falling objects, theft or vandalism, snow and ice damage.
However, some policies include other structures coverage under an "open perils" policy. This provides coverage for any event which is not specifically excluded.
How much other structures coverage do you need?
A standard homeowners policy usually includes other structures coverage as a percentage of your main dwelling coverage. The average percentage is 10%, but you can increase your coverage if necessary.
For example, if you've added a high-value structure to your home, you might consider changing your policy to include more protection.
It's best to talk to a homeowners insurance agent for all the details about other structures coverage and the associated limits. They'll help you decide how much coverage you need to keep your assets protected.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.