Homeowners Insurance Explained: Are Your Detached Buildings Protected?

When you think about homeowners insurance, your focus is likely on protecting your main house — but what about the detached structures on your property? Whether it’s a garage, shed, fence, guesthouse, or gazebo, these structures may be just as vulnerable to damage from storms, fire, theft, or vandalism. The good news is that many standard homeowners insurance policies do offer protection for detached buildings, but the extent of coverage depends on your specific policy.
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Understanding how your insurance handles these structures can help ensure you're not left underinsured or surprised during a claim.

What Are Detached Structures?
Detached structures — sometimes referred to as “other structures” or Coverage B in your homeowners policy — are any permanent or semi-permanent buildings on your property that are not physically connected to the main dwelling.

Examples of detached structures include:

• Freestanding garages or carports
• Storage sheds or tool buildings
• Fences and gates
• Gazebos or pergolas
• Detached guesthouses or pool houses
• Outdoor kitchens or greenhouses

How Standard Homeowners Insurance Covers Detached Buildings
Most standard homeowners insurance policies automatically include coverage for other structures, typically at 10% of your main dwelling coverage. For instance, if your home is insured for $300,000, your policy may include up to $30,000 for detached buildings.

This portion of your policy helps cover:

• Repairs or replacement due to covered perils like fire, wind, hail, vandalism, or falling objects
• Damage from theft or attempted burglary
• Debris removal or cleanup after a covered event

Important Note: Not all damages are covered. Floods and earthquakes, for example, are typically excluded and may require separate policies or riders.


Limitations to Be Aware Of
While coverage is usually included, there are several key limitations to understand:

• Coverage limits may be too low if you have high-value structures like a large workshop or fully equipped guesthouse.
  
  
• Business-use structures (like a detached studio or office) may not be covered under a standard personal policy.
  
  
• Certain enhancements (like custom lighting, insulation, or solar panels) might require extra coverage or endorsements.
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• Building materials and value may not be fully reflected in the default 10% coverage.

How to Ensure You’re Properly Protected

1. Inventory Your Detached Structures
   Make a list of all structures on your property, their use, and estimated value. Include upgrades and attached features (like plumbing or electrical work).
   
   
2. Review Your Policy Documents
   Check the “Coverage B” section of your homeowners policy to confirm the included amount and covered perils.
   
   
3. Talk to Your Insurance Agent
   If your detached structures are more valuable than the standard limit allows, ask about increasing your coverage limit or adding an endorsement.
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4. Consider Specialized Coverage for Business Use
   If you use a detached garage as a home business or rental space, let your insurer know. You may need a separate commercial or landlord policy.

Why Home Insurance Matters for Your Entire Property
Homeowners insurance is about more than just the roof over your head — it protects your entire property, including the features that add function, comfort, and value to your home. Detached buildings can represent significant financial investment and serve important purposes, from storage and recreation to extra living space. Ensuring they’re adequately insured helps you avoid costly out-of-pocket repairs and keeps your full property protected from unexpected events.


Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook What’s Outside Your Front Door
It’s easy to forget about detached buildings when reviewing your insurance, but they’re just as important as your main dwelling. Taking a few moments to review your coverage can ensure that sheds, fences, and garages are fully protected — and that you’re not facing a gap in coverage when you need it most.

At Affordable Choice Insurance Brokers, LLC, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (703) 347-6151​ or CLICK HERE to request a free quote.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.