Backyard structures and home insurance

If you have a freestanding garage, shed, pool or other structure on your home's property, it may be protected under your homeowners insurance policy. It is also good to keep in mind that, just like for your home, there are limitations on what kind of damages can be covered by your policy for your outdoor structures.

Sheds and outdoor buildings

The coverage amount varies from policy to policy — check your policy for the specific coverage related to these items.

Remember to notify your agent or carrier of the existence of these items and keep the rebuilding cost of these structures in mind when purchasing your home insurance policy.

Whether it's a garden shed or a garage for your mower, your personal property inside other structures may also be covered by your homeowners insurance. You might consider a Personal Articles Policy for some types of machinery or sports equipment (limitations apply). This type of policy protects items beyond the limitations and deductibles of a homeowners insurance policy.

Swimming pools

Whether you already have a swimming pool or are thinking about getting one, review liability coverage options with your insurance agent or carrier. Most home insurance policies include some liability protection, but you may want more if you have a swimming pool. The Insurance Information Institute recommends increasing your amount of liability protection or purchasing an umbrella liability policy.

You can also take additional safety measures to help prevent accidents and reduce the potential liability exposure:

• Add a high fence with a self-closing, locked gate to help keep guests from entering without your knowledge.
• Enforce safe pool rules such as: no diving into shallow water and walking (not running) around the edge of the pool.
• Provide non-slip surfaces around your pool to help prevent falls.
• Maintain adult supervision of children in the pool at all times.
• Keep necessary first aid equipment near the pool.
• Contact your local municipality to determine if your pool and surrounding fence meets requirements for size, depth and other safety features.

Property damage is another coverage type to have in mind, when you are thinking about pools. Consider asking your insurance company how this coverage applies to different pool types and in different claims scenarios. Understanding your policy might help you be better prepared for the unexpected.

Fences

Fences are generally considered other structures. Depending on the type of policy a person carries and the material of the fence, and in the case of a covered claim, it might be paid at actual cash value (depreciated value) instead of at replacement cost.

Review and understand your homeowner’s policy to see that you have the right amount and coverage type, should the unforeseen happen. Consider contacting a State Farm® agent to inquire about the different types of coverage and limits available for home insurance in your area, or if you are looking to bundle your policies¹ including home, car and life.