A fence creates a safer yard for kids and pets, boosts privacy, and adds interest to your landscaping. The structure might also affect your homeowners insurance premiums. If you’re having one installed, review the guide below to understand how your policy might work afterward.

How Homeowners Insurance Protects Fencing

A fence can be damaged by the weather, falling trees, vehicles, and vandalism. There are rules about what constitutes covered damage. As a rule of thumb, if similar damage to the house is covered, the policy probably covers that event for the fence. Problems caused by wear and tear aren’t covered. 

A fence is covered under the “other structures” portion of homeowners insurance. Most insurers limit coverage to 10% of the total policy limit. However, placing claims on other policies might help you secure more affordable repairs. For instance, if a neighbor drives into your fence, you can place a claim on their auto insurance. If a neighbor’s tree falls onto the structure, the costs might be split between you and the neighbor, or fall solely on them. If the affected tree already showed signs of disease or rot before it fell, the neighbor shoulders the expense for not properly maintaining their landscaping.

Some policies such as the new Smart Home Insurance Policy through Farmers Insurance offers an option for replacement cost or actual cash value coverage on fences. This will allow a homeowner who has a fence to make sure they have the right coverage, and a homeowner that does not have a fence can save money by not having fence replacement cost.

If you need reliable homeowners insurance, turn to Daniel Oliver Insurance Agency of Edina, MN. Serving homeowners throughout Minnesota, this experienced insurance professional will work closely with you to help you get the right policy. He regularly reviews plans with customers to ensure they have coverage at the best possible price. Visit his website to learn more about his products, or call (952) 925-4454 to make an appointment.