You know your house is protected by homeowners insurance, but what about the shed out back, the fence around your yard, or the detached garage where you park your car? Coverage for these structures is often overlooked, and many Massachusetts homeowners do not realize how limited it can be until damage happens. In this blog, we’ll explain how homeowners insurance applies to detached structures, what “other structures coverage” typically includes, and how to make sure every part of your property is fully protected.

What Is Other Structures Coverage?

Most Massachusetts homeowners insurance policies include Coverage B – Other Structures, which extends protection to parts of your property that are not connected to the main house. This coverage often applies to:

• Detached garages
• Storage sheds
• Fences
• Driveways and walkways
• Gazebos or pergolas

Homeowners insurance for detached structures usually covers risks such as fire, wind, theft, and vandalism, just like the primary dwelling. It is also important to note that pools (and other attractive nuisances) are not included in coverage B.

How Much Coverage Is Standard in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, other structures coverage is usually set at 10 percent of your dwelling coverage. For example, a home insured for $400,000 typically includes $40,000 for detached structures. While this may be enough for small sheds or fences, it might not cover the cost of rebuilding a large garage or repairing multiple structures after a Nor’easter or summer storm.

When to Consider More Protection

If you have recently added or upgraded detached structures, such as building a new garage, installing a pool house, or replacing fencing, your current limits may not be sufficient. In these cases, increasing homeowners insurance for detached structures or adding endorsements can provide the right level of protection.

At the Safeside Insurance Agency, we understand that protecting your property is a priority. Detached garages, sheds, and fences are all valuable parts of your home, and the right coverage ensures they are protected when the unexpected happens. Unsure about your coverage? Contact us to review your homeowners insurance or jump right into a quote.