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Installing a fence around your property provides privacy, security and curb appeal. But what happens if your fence gets damaged? Does homeowners insurance provide coverage if a tree falls on your fence during a storm or if it’s damaged in a car accident? I’ll explain what you need to know about homeowners insurance and fences.
How Homeowners Insurance Generally Covers Fences
Fences are usually covered under the “other structures” portion of a homeowners insurance policy. This provides protection for detached structures on your property like a fence, shed or garage. Coverage is typically 10% of your dwelling coverage limit.
So if your home is insured for $200,000, you could receive up to $20,000 to repair or replace a damaged fence. This limit applies to the total of all other structures, not just the fence.
While fences are covered, there are caveats:
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Deductible applies – You pay this amount out of pocket before coverage kicks in
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Depreciation may be applied – The insurer pays actual cash value, not full replacement cost.
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Damage must be from a covered peril – Perils like floods, earthquakes or termite damage are usually excluded.
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Regular maintenance expected – Insurer won’t cover damage from lack of maintenance.
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Special limits on theft coverage – Depending on type, amount of theft coverage varies.
So while fences are covered, you may not receive the full cost of repair or replacement. Next let’s look at some common fence damage scenarios.
Storm Damage
One of the most frequent causes of fence damage is storms. Events like hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms and hailstorms can batter, blow down or even toss sections of fence across your yard.
The good news is damage from wind is generally covered by homeowners insurance. So if strong winds or a fallen tree during a thunderstorm destroy your fence, you can file a claim. Just be sure to document the damage with photos before cleaning up debris.
While wind damage is covered, flood waters from a storm are not. If your fence is damaged from a flooded creek overflowing its banks, your claim would be denied. You’d need separate flood insurance for this type of damage.
Collision Damage
Although rare, sometimes a vehicle leaves the road and crashes through a homeowner’s fence. Damage from collisions with vehicles is usually covered by homeowners insurance.
However, the best route is to first file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. Their liability coverage should pay for damage their policyholder caused to your property.
If that doesn’t succeed, turn to your homeowners insurance which will cover the damage, minus your deductible. Your insurer may then seek reimbursement from the driver.
Vandalism or Theft
Unfortunately, fences are sometimes the target of vandalism. This could include a trespassing teen spray painting graffiti on your fence. Or a burglar may damage your fence while attempting to break in.
Vandalism damage is generally covered by homeowners insurance, less your deductible. Theft of items like fence panels or an automatic gate opener is also often covered, but usually subject to limits. High-value fencing materials may need extra protection.
Falling Tree Limb
During a winter ice storm, a heavy tree limb from your neighbor’s oak tree could come crashing down onto your fence. Or a dead tree on their property may topple over in a windstorm, flattening your brand new cedar fence.
Fallen tree damage is covered by homeowners insurance, even if the tree originated off your property. File a claim and your insurer will pay to repair or replace your damaged fence, minus the deductible. Fault for the damage is worked out between insurance companies.
Termites or Decay
Termites can eat away at the wooden posts and panels of a fence, eventually destroying the structural integrity. Rot and decay from moisture can also damage fences over time.
However, homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by termites, ants, or decay from lack of maintenance. These scenarios are considered maintenance issues under the control of the homeowner. Keeping wood fences properly sealed and painted and inspecting for termites minimizes these risks.
Poor Workmanship
Perhaps you hired a contractor to build a new fence for your home. Shortly after it’s completed, a section collapses due to inadequate support or improper installation. Will homeowners insurance provide coverage?
Unfortunately, issues caused by faulty workmanship or use of defective materials are excluded by insurance companies. This is considered a business risk that contractors should carry their own insurance for. Your only recourse is with the fencing company directly to correct their faulty work.
Underground Dog Fence
Invisible, underground dog fences use wires buried around your property to keep pets safely confined. But could damage to the wiring be covered by homeowners insurance?
Since the dog fence is permanently installed, it is likely covered as an “other structure” just like a traditional wood or chain link fence. Vandalism, wind damage or falling trees could damage the wiring. File a claim and your insurer would likely cover repairs, although proof may be tricky.
Steps to File an Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim for a damaged fence requires some preparation. Follow these tips for smooth claim processing:
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Document damage with photos before cleanup.
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Obtain a detailed estimate for repairs from fence companies.
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Call your insurance company to start the claims process.
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Provide details on when damage occurred and how.
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Mail repair estimates and photos to your claims adjuster.
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Be patient! Claims processing takes time.
Avoiding Claim Denials
To prevent a fence damage claim from being denied, be sure to:
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Keep wood fences properly maintained and sealed to prevent rot.
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Address any signs of termites quickly to prevent further destruction.
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Fix any loose fence boards, damaged posts or sagging gates.
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Cut down dead or unhealthy trees that could fall and cause damage.
Doing your part to properly maintain a fence means insurance companies will be more likely to provide coverage when a claim does occur.
When to File a Claim
One last tip – only file a homeowners insurance claim if the damage exceeds your deductible. For minimal damage like a couple broken fence boards, it may not be worth a claim. The deductible amount you pay out of pocket could potentially cost more than just repairing it yourself.
But for more substantial damage from a covered peril like a fallen tree, ensuing water damage or collision, file that claim to get your fence back in shape!
Key Takeaways
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Fences are generally covered as “other structures” for up to 10% of dwelling coverage.
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Peril must be covered – not flood, earthquake, termites, faulty workmanship, etc.
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Maintenance is required – inspect for termites, fix loose boards, seal wood.
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Driver’s auto insurance usually covers collision damage first.
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Document damage with photos, get repair estimate from fencing company.
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Only file a claim if damage exceeds your deductible amount.
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To effectively manage your property, it helps to understand whether your homeowners insurance extends to covering your fence. Your policy is meant to protect you from financial stress caused by damage to the structure of your home. Standard coverage also includes other structures on your property, like fences. However, the specifics of this coverage can vary, largely depending on the cause of the damage. Now that you know more about insurance from Bankrate, you can feel more comfortable navigating the details of fence coverage and know what kind of protection your policy may offer.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fences?
FAQ
Does a fence lower homeowners insurance?
Does windstorm cover fences in Texas?
Does homeowners insurance cover wall damage?
Does building insurance cover wall damage?
Does homeowners insurance cover fence damage?
For example, if an intruder defaces and damages a fence for a house, a homeowners insurance policy will likely cover the damage, although the deductible might end up being higher than the cost to repair the damage. Coverage doesn’t include every peril, however—homeowners insurance policies usually have specific coverage exclusions.
Does homeowners insurance cover tree damage to a fence?
Tree damage to a fence isn’t always covered. If the tree is on the policyholder’s property and was diseased or poorly maintained, insurance companies look at this as a maintenance issue and refuse to cover the fence damage. Floods and earthquakes are natural disasters, but they’re not typically covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Do you need a home insurance policy if you have a fence?
Two of the most common exclusions are for flood and earthquake damage, and a homeowner who wants coverage for these perils will usually need to take out additional policies. A fence or other type of unattached structure is typically covered at 10 percent of a home’s dwelling coverage limit.
How do I know if my home insurance covers a fence?
They may ask you for receipts from your fence installation and to take pictures of the damages. To check if your homeowners policy has sufficient coverage or to get a quote from Travelers for homeowners coverage, contact your local independent agent or Travelers representative.