If a tree falls on your fence or a motorist crashes into it, will your insurer pay the damages? Most likely, yes. To understand whether events such as weather, vandalism, another person’s carelessness or negligence are covered, take a closer look at your homeowners insurance.
You must be covered for the event on your policy
Fences are included under the “other structures” coverage of your homeowners policy, though you might not see the word “fence” expressly stated. If your policy covers the event that caused the damage, your fence will be covered. But if an earthquake causes the ground to shift and that damages your fence, you won’t be covered (unless you purchased extra earthquake coverage).
The maximum amount you can claim depends on the amount of coverage you have on the house itself. Most policies set the limit for “other structures” as a percentage of the total coverage, usually 10%. On a $150,000 home, you would be able to claim a maximum of $15,000 in damages to all other structures, including your fence.
If the damage is caused by someone else
When someone crashes their vehicle into your fence, you can file a claim against the driver’s property damage liability insurance. It’s mandatory coverage for all drivers and should cover the cost of repairing your fence. You may end up avoiding a claim on your homeowners policy, but it depends on the policy limits that the driver has, and assumes the driver is insured. If the driver isn't insured but you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your vehicle, it might cover your claim.
Imagine now that the fence was vandalized or that your neighbor’s tree fell into your yard and smashed the fence. In both of these instances, you’ll be covered by your homeowners policy.
To expedite your claim, you should always take photos of the damages and file a police report if vandalism or a car crash is the root cause. It’s also a good idea to ask a contractor to bid on the job so you can present a repair estimate to your insurer.
If the damage is caused by something else
Weather is the other major cause of fence damage. Severe windstorms, hail, snowstorms and extreme weather events can impact your home. Adverse weather can even uproot trees and send them hurtling into your fence.
If your policy covers the weather event that caused the damage, you’ll be able to file a claim to repair your fence. But if an unhealthy tree was uprooted and caused the damage, that might not be covered. An unhealthy tree is structurally weaker, perhaps even rotten. Its demise is predictable unless the tree can be nursed back to health, and that means the damage to your fence could possibly have been prevented.
In addition, certain risks are excluded from all policies:
- Nuclear risks, terrorism and war
- Mold and fungi
- Earthquakes and landslides
- Flooding
- Termite infestations
- Wear and tear
To ensure you’re covered at all times, have your trees inspected regularly and keep your fence well-maintained. Consider adding flood and earthquake coverage.
Call your Rathbun Insurance account manager to review your coverage and get answers to any questions you may have. Make sure your budget and your fence are protected.