When purchasing a homeowners insurance policy, most of your focus will likely be on protecting your home. However, it’s essential to think about your entire property, including your yard and any detached structures. Yard damage can occur unexpectedly, and in many cases, homeowners may be left paying out of pocket for repairs. In this blog, we’ll discuss whether home insurance covers yard damages and which specific situations your policy may address.
What Counts as Yard Damage?
Yard damage refers to harm or destruction of any structures or items located outside your home, but not physically attached to it. Many home insurance policies include coverage for yard-related damage under “other structures” insurance, also known as Coverage B. This typically applies after your deductible has been met.
Here are some examples of outdoor structures that are often covered:
- Barns
- Decks and patios
- Sheds and storage buildings
- Fire pits and gazebos
- Greenhouses
- In-ground pools
- Fences and retaining walls
- Outdoor furniture and grills
- Detached garages and driveways
It’s important to note that not all policies provide this kind of coverage, so you should always check your specific policy to understand what’s included. Covered perils are the types of damage your insurance company will pay for. Common yard-related perils often include:
- Explosions
- Frozen pipes
- Vandalism and theft
- Fire and smoke damage
- Water damage (excluding flood damage)
- Weather-related damage (wind, lightning, hail, snow)
Landscaping and Home Insurance
While homeowners insurance may cover damage to certain landscaping features like trees, shrubs, and lawns, this depends on the cause of the damage. For example, if a tree falls on an outdoor structure like a shed or a fence due to wind, your insurance will likely cover the cost of removing the tree and repairing the damage. However, if the tree falls without causing damage to any structures, you won’t be able to file a claim for tree removal.
In cases where a neighbor’s tree falls on your property, you may be able to file a claim with either your insurance or the neighbor’s. Some policies may even cover healthy trees uprooted by weather conditions. But, if a tree is weak or rotting and falls, causing damage, insurance generally won’t cover the cost of removal or repairs.
The Impact of Erosion on Yard Insurance
Erosion, often caused by water damage from floods or pipe bursts, can erode your yard, weakening foundations and causing shifts in the earth. Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover erosion caused by weather events. However, if the erosion damages covered structures, you may be able to file a claim for repairs. To protect against erosion-related damage, consider purchasing additional coverage options.
Common Yard Damages and Coverage
Standard home insurance policies typically cover damage from common perils and some outdoor structures. However, in certain situations, you may need additional coverage or find yourself paying out of pocket. Let’s take a look at a few scenarios:
Yard Damages from a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe can lead to water damage and possible erosion to your outdoor property. Homeowners insurance generally covers burst pipes, as long as the cause of the burst falls within the list of covered perils. If, however, the burst was due to poor maintenance or lack of upkeep, coverage may not apply.
Yard Damage from Natural Disasters
Home insurance policies generally cover damage caused by weather-related events like high winds, snow, lightning, and hail. Some policies may also extend coverage to hurricanes, tornadoes, and volcanic eruptions. However, home insurance usually does not cover natural floods (e.g., from a river, dam failure, or heavy rainfall) or earthquakes. If you live in an area prone to these events, you should consider purchasing additional policies that provide flood or earthquake coverage.
Yard Damages Caused by Animals
Homeowners insurance will typically cover damage caused by larger animals, such as a wild animal tearing up your shed or deck. However, coverage does not extend to smaller animals like rodents, birds, or insects. If animals cause damage to your yard, it’s likely that the responsibility will fall on you.
How to Handle Yard Damage Claims
When you get home insurance, it’s vital to confirm that yard damage is included in your coverage. If you’re unsure about the specifics of your policy, review your documents carefully and ask your insurer about coverage limits and exclusions. Here’s a step-by-step guide for filing a yard damage claim:
- Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer and have an adjuster assess the damage to your yard. - Document the Damages
After the incident, make a detailed list of the damages and their causes. This will help when you file your claim. - Make Temporary Repairs
If the damage is severe, take steps to limit further damage. Document these temporary repairs, as they may be reimbursable. - Review Your Policy
Check your policy’s fine print to understand what’s covered, your deductible, and the total coverage amount. - Get Damage Estimates
Obtain estimates for repairs and document the associated costs. Understand how much you can claim, what you’ll pay out of pocket, and what the insurance will cover. - Keep Copies of Documentation
Save all related documents, such as repair invoices, images of the damage, and any reports, to support your claim.
In some cases, even with adequate proof of damages, your claim may be denied or the payout might not cover all the repair costs. It’s a good idea to photograph and document your yard’s condition when you first purchase your insurance policy. This will serve as evidence of the pre-incident condition of your yard and outdoor structures.
Coverage Limits for Yard Damages
While homeowners insurance typically covers various forms of yard damage, certain issues may not be covered by your policy. If damage occurs due to an excluded cause or if the damage is a result of wear and tear, you’ll be responsible for repairs.
What Isn’t Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Some perils and conditions aren’t covered under most home insurance policies. These exclusions may include:
- Sinkholes
- Landslides
- Natural flooding
- Nuclear accidents
- Sewer or drain blockages
- Insect and animal infestations
Factors That Can Void Your Coverage
Even if your yard suffers damage, a few factors could prevent your insurance from covering the cost:
- Long-term wear and tear from aging structures
- Improper use of outdoor structures leading to premature damage
- Neglecting maintenance, which allows damage to worsen
- Faulty construction or installation of structures
Conclusion
Home insurance does cover a variety of yard damages, but it’s essential to understand what’s included in your policy and where you might need extra coverage. Whether it’s damage from storms, fallen trees, or even large animals, knowing what’s covered can save you from unexpected costs. Always review your policy carefully and consider additional coverage for specific risks, like flooding or erosion, to protect your entire property.
