As homeowners seek to make the most of their outdoor areas, features like decks, patios, and pergolas have grown in popularity. Whether hosting weekend cookouts, sipping coffee under a pergola, or relaxing on a custom deck, these upgrades add comfort, charm, and value to your home. But have you thought about whether they’re insured?
Many homeowners assume their standard insurance policy automatically protects these structures, but it’s not always that straightforward. Coverage often depends on the structure’s build, location, and your policy's fine print. Knowing what the policy covers, and what it doesn’t, from storm damage to surprise accidents, is key to protecting your outdoor investments. In this article, we’ll explain how homeowners insurance typically treats these structures and what steps you might need to take to stay fully covered.
How much coverage do your outdoor structures really have?
Investing in outdoor upgrades can greatly enhance both your lifestyle and property value. To ensure these valuable additions are fully protected, it's important to keep your insurance coverage up to date. Most home insurance policies include “other structures” coverage, typically around 10% of your home’s insured value. This part of your policy covers detached additions like a freestanding pergola, a patio, or a shed.
However, 10% coverage might not be sufficient, especially if you've invested in premium materials or added features like built-in grills or custom lighting. If the structure is attached to your home, such as a deck connected to your back door, it may actually be covered under your dwelling insurance, which comes with its own guidelines. Check how much coverage you have for “other structures” and what types of events are covered. You might discover that increasing your limits or adding a specific rider makes sense to protect your backyard retreat fully.
Storm damage and falling trees: What perils are actually covered?
Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover all backyard damage. Most policies list specific “named perils” eligible for claims, often including fire, wind, hail, and falling objects (like trees). So, if a storm knocks a tree onto your pergola, or your deck takes damage from a fire, you’re probably covered up to the applicable limit.
Still, it’s important to be aware of potential coverage gaps. Issues like wear and tear, insect damage, or poor construction are usually not included. For instance, if termites damage your deck or it collapses due to faulty workmanship, insurance likely won’t cover the repairs. Depending on your location, you might also need separate policies or riders for specific risks, like floods or hurricanes. A windstorm could be covered, but flooding from the same storm might not be unless you have additional flood insurance. Knowing these exclusions upfront can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Renovated your backyard? It may be time to update your homeowners policy.
You may want to add updating your insurance to your to-do list if you recently added a new deck, pergola, or patio. While these projects boost comfort and home value, they can also introduce new risks. Most insurance providers typically don’t update your home insurance policy because you made improvements, so you might not be fully covered if something happens if you haven’t updated your policy.
Suppose you built a custom pergola for $25,000 but didn’t notify your insurer. If a storm destroys it, your payout might only cover a fraction of its worth under the default “other structures” limit. By updating your policy, you ensure your coverage accurately reflects your property’s current value, and you may also want to explore extra options, like higher liability limits or coverage for outdoor kitchens and appliances.
Protect Your Outdoor Oasis with SelectQuote
Your outdoor living space is more than just a yard. It's where you relax, entertain, and enjoy life. Whether you've got an upgraded patio, a multi-level deck, or a custom pergola, it's essential to protect it. With SelectQuote, finding the right insurance is easy.
We help you compare unbiased quotes from several of the nation’s most highly trusted carriers to find the best fit for your home and lifestyle. Our licensed insurance agents make understanding your options easy, explain coverage clearly, and ensure you have the peace of mind you deserve.
