What's included under other structures coverage?Other structures coverage on your homeowners insurance policy protects against damage to gazebos, detached garages, guest houses, sheds, and even fences. Show
Other structures includes property that's set apart from the main dwelling by a distinct space or connected only by a fence. Attached garages and attached decks are covered under your policy's dwelling coverage, while a detached structure such as a storage shed in the backyard falls under other structures coverage. How much coverage does other structures insurance provide?Although the amount can vary depending on your policy, your Coverage B limit is typically set at 10% of the limit for your policy's Coverage A, also known as dwelling coverage. For example, if your dwelling limit is $400,000, your other structures insurance coverage would be $40,000. If your Coverage B amount wouldn't sufficiently pay to repair or replace your other structures, you may be able to increase it, depending on your insurer, by adding more coverage or an endorsement to your policy. Are there limitations to other structures coverage?Coverage B, like Coverage A, does not cover all types of damage. Here are some damages and events not covered by other structures insurance:
Other structures coverage also doesn't typically cover business structures. Suppose you run a small business from a detached structure on your property, or you have a backyard shed that's been converted into an Airbnb or rental apartment. These may not be covered under your homeowners policy. Consider purchasing business insurance to properly cover business structures. Learn more about homeowners insurance coverages. Does other structures insurance coverage protect in-ground pools?Depending on your insurer, an in-ground or permanent above-ground swimming pool falls under either dwelling coverage or other structures coverage. Since swimming pools are considered attractive nuisances, insurance companies often require them to be fenced. Make sure your personal liability limit covers your assets in case you're liable for injuries or damages. Please read your policy to know your coverage limits.The following are examples of the types of coverage that are usually listed in your insurance policy. A brief description is also included:
Contact InformationIf you have questions, please call Consumer Services at 803-737-6180 or your insurance provider. After investing in your home, it's important to have it insured properly. What are all the policy coverages, forms and exclusions? What is homeowners insurance?Homeowners insurance is a type of insurance that will provide coverage for your home and other personal property in the case of a covered loss. It can also provide liability coverage if someone hurts themselves at your home or you cause property damage. Homeowners insurance is not only desired, but in many cases, required by your mortgage company so they will also be protected financially if your home experiences a covered loss. Why homeowners insurance?A home is the single biggest investment most individuals will ever make. It is typically the largest asset on the family "balance sheet." Also, the contents of a typical home, in the form of furniture, appliances, clothing, family heirlooms and other movable personal belongings, represent a substantial additional investment. The unprotected loss (or partial loss) of a home and its contents to theft, fire, windstorm or some other disaster, could be financially devastating. footnote [1] Further, everyone faces the risk of personal liability. For example, a visitor to the residence could slip and fall. Such accidents can result in court decisions awarding large sums to the injured party for medical expenses and pain and suffering. Homeowners insurance coverageOriginally, a standard homeowners policy covered only the risk of fire. Today's homeowners policies provide protection against a number of the perils of modern life, in one "package" policy. A typical homeowners policyfootnote [2] can provide insurance protection for the following:
Homeowners insurance policy formsThere are several organizations that work with insurance companies to develop standardized homeowners policies. While the details of a particular policy can vary, these standardized policies or forms are generally very similar.
What does homeowners insurance not cover?The standard homeowners policies specifically exclude a number of perils from coverage. Policy coverage for these excluded perils can generally be added through an endorsement and payment of an additional premium. Typical policy exclusions might include the following:
Other homeowners insurance considerations
Through an endorsement and payment of an additional premium, reimbursement can be on a "replacement-cost" basis. Replacement cost means, simply, restoring the home to its pre-loss condition using materials and workmanship of similar quality. In some policies, the availability of this feature requires the homeowner to maintain coverage on the home equal to at least 80% of the cost to rebuild or repair. If insurance coverage were not maintained at the 80% level, any loss would be reimbursed at a lesser amount or on an actual-cash-value or depreciated basis.
Understanding insurance policiesAn insurance policy is a written contract between the insured and the insurance company. The protection provided by the policy typically represents a significant part of an individual's overall risk management program. Thus, it's important for an insured individual to read and understand key policy provisions such as the following.
Seek guidanceInsurance agents and brokers, insurance counselors and other trained financial consultants can help provide answers to detailed questions about a particular policy. These individuals can help you select the right policy and the appropriate amount of coverage. return to reference [1] Many mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance, to protect the dwelling, as a condition of granting the mortgage. return to reference [2] The specific coverage and terms of a policy can vary from company to company and from state to state. return to reference [3] Jewelry, silverware, securities, cash and collectibles are examples of personal property subject to these "internal" policy limits. What is covered under Coverage A?Coverage A must cover the cost of rebuilding your home at current construction costs. This doesn't include the cost of the land your home sits on. Coverage A is not the market value of your home or the amount you paid for it.
Which of the following could be covered by a homeowners policy?A standard policy includes four key types of coverage: dwelling, other structures, personal property and liability. If your home is damaged by a covered event, like strong winds, dwelling coverage can help pay to repair it.
Which of the following would not be covered by a homeowners policy?Termites and insect damage, bird or rodent damage, rust, rot, mold, and general wear and tear are not covered.
What does HO6 mean?An HO6 insurance policy is homeowners insurance for those who own a condominium or co-op unit. As a condo or co-op unit owner, you own and are likely responsible for damages to your unit.
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