Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fences? What’s Protected, What’s Not, and When

When it comes to protecting your home, most people immediately think about the roof over their heads, the walls around them, and the belongings inside. But what about the structures outside, like your fence? People use fences for important tasks, such as keeping pets safe and adding a little bit of privacy to their properties, so it makes sense to ask yourself, “Does homeowners insurance cover fences?” when they need to be repaired or replaced. Let’s explore the circumstances in which your homeowners insurance policy may cover your fence, when it won’t, and how to file a claim if the unexpected happens.

Key Takeaways

• Fences are generally covered under homeowners insurance as part of “Other Structures” coverage.
• Coverage usually applies if the damage is sudden and accidental, like storm damage or a car accident.
• Damage from neglect, wear and tear, or poor maintenance is not covered.
• Coverage for neighbor- or third-party–related scenarios depends on the cause: your policy often covers your fence, but responsibility can shift depending on negligence or vehicle involvement.
• Filing a claim may depend on the cost of repairs compared to your deductible.
• Regular fence maintenance, timely repairs, and keeping receipts can help avoid claim denials and strengthen your case if you need to file a claim.

How Homeowners Insurance Covers Fences

In most homeowners insurance policies, your fence is considered part of your Other Structures coverage, also known as Coverage B. This section of your policy protects things on your property that aren’t directly attached to your house. However, it offers coverage for fences regardless of whether they are attached to your house.

The amount of coverage available for fences depends on the details of your homeowners policy. Typically, fences fall under your Other Structures coverage, which has its own limits that are separate from your main dwelling coverage. Your exact protection will vary based on your policy terms, so it’s important to review your coverage or speak with your insurance representative to understand how much protection applies to your fence.

What Are the Covered Perils in Homeowners Insurance for Fences?

Homeowners insurance only protects against certain perils that cause sudden and accidental damage. Covered perils may vary by policy, but common perils include:

• Fire
• Storms
• Wind
• Hail
• Lightning
• Fallen trees
• Vandalism
• Vehicle damage

When Are Fences Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

While homeowners insurance can provide important protection for your fence, there are limits to what’s included. Policies are designed to cover sudden, accidental damage, not issues that develop over time or problems caused by a lack of maintenance. Exclusions usually include:

• Gradual wear and tear
• Wood rot
• Rust
• Termites
• Mold
• Improper installation
• Flood or earthquake damage (both require separate policies)

Insurers also expect homeowners to keep their fences in good condition. Neglect or carelessness—like ignoring obvious structural problems—can lead to denied claims.

How is Fence Damage Covered in Relation to Neighbors or Third-Parties?

When fence damage involves neighbors or other parties, coverage can become a little more complicated. If a neighbor’s tree or limb falls onto your fence during a storm, your homeowners insurance will usually step in to cover the repair. However, if the tree was dead or poorly maintained, your neighbor could be considered responsible. The same rule applies in reverse; if your neglected tree damages a neighbor’s fence, you may be held liable for their losses.

Things can get even trickier when trees sit right on a boundary line. In those cases, responsibility for damage may be shared between you and your neighbor, depending on the circumstances. And if a neighbor’s actions directly cause the damage, such as cutting down a tree that lands on your fence, their liability coverage would typically come into play.

If a third-party driver veers off the road and crashes into your fence, their auto insurance would usually be the one responsible for covering the cost of repairs. In any of these situations, your homeowners insurance may help you get the damage fixed quickly because your insurer may seek reimbursement from the responsible party’s coverage.

Filing a Claim for Fence Damage

Before you start the claims process, know that insurers may factor in the age and condition of your fence when calculating payment. This is called depreciation, and it can reduce the amount paid if the fence is older or already worn. Your policy’s deductible also applies, meaning your final payout is typically the approved repair cost minus your deductible and any depreciation (unless your policy provides replacement cost and conditions are met).

To file a homeowners insurance claim for fence damage:

1. Document the damage: Note the incident date and time, briefly describe what happened, and take clear photos and videos. Keep evidence like fallen limbs on-site until the adjuster has reviewed them.
2. Get repair estimates: Request written estimates from licensed contractors that itemize materials and labor. Include details like fence length, material, and any debris removal. Save all invoices and receipts.
3. File the claim with your insurer: Submit your photos, estimates, and a short description of the incident. If a vehicle was involved, include the police report and driver information. Be ready to schedule an inspection with the adjuster and keep records of all communications.

Tips for Protecting Your Fence

A little routine maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your fence in good shape and avoiding potential claim problems. Insurance policies generally don’t cover damage caused by gradual deterioration, so it’s important to stay on top of common issues like wood rot, rust on metal panels, pest damage, or signs of wear and tear.

Regular inspections can help you catch problems early. Make small repairs as soon as you spot loose boards or leaning posts, and consider sealing or staining wood fences to protect against moisture. Trim back trees and branches that hang over your fence to reduce the risk of falling limbs, and check for insect activity around wooden structures.

It’s also smart to save receipts for any fence installation, repair, or improvement work. These records can be valuable evidence if you ever need to file a claim.

Protect Your Home’s Fence Today

Your fence may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to homeowners insurance, but it plays an important role in protecting and defining your property. Understanding how your policy applies, what’s covered, and where exclusions come into play can save you stress when unexpected damage happens.

Ready to make sure your home and everything around it are properly protected? Get a free homeowners insurance quote through GEICO Insurance Agency and see how easy it is to find coverage that fits your needs.