Other structures coverage pays for damages to structures other than your house. This is part of a standard homeowners insurance policy, providing valuable coverage in the event of a covered loss. Understanding your other structures coverage can help you ensure that it is adequate for your needs.

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Have Other Structures Coverage?

If you have an HO-3 or HO-5 homeowners insurance policy, which are the most common types of homeowners insurance, you already have other structures coverage. However, each plan has its own rules about the level of coverage it provides. In most cases, the other structures coverage is based on a percentage of your dwelling coverage, generally 10-20%. For example, if your house is covered up to $400,000, your other structures coverage may be $40,000-$80,000, depending on your policy.

In Nevada, the law does not mandate other structures coverage. However, if you have a mortgage, your lender may require that you carry this coverage.

What Does Other Structures Coverage Include?

As the name suggests, other structures coverage includes buildings and structures that are not part of your house. This may include fences, detached garages, sheds and gazebos. In most cases, other structures coverage is “open peril,” meaning that damage is covered unless it is specifically excluded by your policy. As an example, your policy likely excludes damages caused by earthquakes or flooding.

This coverage also does not apply to damages caused by normal wear and tear or neglect. If your shed’s wooden foundation experiences termite damage or rot from gradual water damage, your policy will not pay for damages. On the other hand, if a tree falls on your fence, your other structures coverage will pay for repairs.​

What About Personal Belongings?

Your other structures coverage pays for damages to structures such as sheds or gazebos, but it does not pay to replace the contents of those structures. Instead, this is reimbursed through your personal property coverage.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

Your homeowners insurance likely includes other structures coverage at a set amount based on your total insured value. However, depending on your property features, this may be inadequate. If you are insured for $300,000 and your other structures coverage is $30,000, your coverage may be adequate if you live on a small lot without exterior buildings. However, if your yard is enclosed by a privacy fence and you have a deck, gazebo, detached garage and shed, your other structures coverage may be far less than what you need. Fortunately, it is inexpensive to increase this coverage.

Finding the Right Homeowners Insurance with Nevada Insurance Enrollment

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect you if your home is damaged, but if your policy is inadequate for your needs, you may be financially vulnerable. At Nevada Insurance Enrollment, our licensed insurance agents help you go over your policy and ensure that it includes the coverage you need.