What Is Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)?

Other structures coverage — formally known as Coverage B — is the section of your homeowners insurance policy that protects detached buildings and structures on your property. If a storm, fire, falling tree, vandalism, or another covered peril damages your detached garage, fence, or backyard shed, Coverage B is what pays to repair or rebuild it.

Unlike dwelling coverage, which protects the physical structure of your home, Coverage B specifically covers structures that are separated from your main house by open space. If a structure is attached to your home — like a deck built onto the side of the house or an attached garage — it falls under dwelling coverage instead.

Coverage B is automatically included in most standard homeowners insurance policies (HO-3 and HO-5 forms) at no additional cost, making it one of the most overlooked but valuable parts of your policy.

What Qualifies as an "Other Structure"?

Any building or structure on your property that is physically detached from your home can potentially qualify under Coverage B. Here are the most common examples:

Common Covered Structures

What Is NOT Covered Under Coverage B?

• Attached structures — A garage, porch, or deck physically connected to your home is covered under Coverage A (dwelling coverage), not Coverage B.
• Structures used for business — If you run a business out of a detached building (like a home office, salon, or storage of commercial inventory), it is typically excluded.
• Rented-out structures — A guest house you rent out long-term may not be covered under a standard homeowners policy.
• Land beneath structures — The ground or soil under any structure is never covered.
• Damage from excluded perils — Flooding, earthquakes, normal wear and tear, pest infestations, mold, and intentional damage are not covered under Coverage B (or most standard homeowners policies).
• Contents inside structures — Tools, equipment, or belongings stored inside a shed or detached garage are covered under Coverage C (personal property coverage), not Coverage B.

Coverage B Limits: The 10% Rule and When You Need More

How the 10% Rule Works

In most standard homeowners policies, Coverage B is automatically set at 10% of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A). This means:

This 10% limit applies to all of your other structures combined — not individually. So if you have a detached garage, a fence, and a shed, they all share that single pool of coverage.

When the 10% Limit May Not Be Enough

You can increase your Coverage B limit by requesting an endorsement from your insurer. Some carriers allow you to raise it significantly beyond the standard 10% — making this a relatively affordable upgrade when you have high-value detached structures.

How Coverage B Claims Work

Filing a claim for a damaged detached structure follows the same general process as any homeowners insurance claim, but there are a few things to keep in mind specific to Coverage B.

Step-by-Step: Filing an Other Structures Claim

1. Document the damage immediately Take photos and videos of the damaged structure from multiple angles. Gather any receipts, permits, or records showing the structure's value and materials. This documentation is critical to getting an accurate payout.

2. Report the claim to your insurer Contact your insurance company via phone, their app, or online portal. Describe the covered peril (e.g., "a storm knocked a tree onto my detached garage"), the structure affected, and the estimated extent of the damage.

3. Work with the insurance adjuster Your insurer will send an adjuster (in-person or virtually) to assess the damage. They'll confirm the structure qualifies as a "detached other structure," estimate repair or rebuild costs, and determine the payout after applying your deductible.

4. Receive payment and make repairs Once the claim is approved, you'll receive a payout to cover the cost of repairs or replacement — up to your Coverage B limit. Depending on your policy, this may be based on actual cash value (ACV) — which factors in depreciation — or replacement cost value (RCV), which pays for a brand-new equivalent without depreciation deductions.

5. Know your limits before disaster strikes If your total detached structures exceed your Coverage B limit, you'll be responsible for the difference out of pocket. This is why reviewing your limits annually is so important, especially after adding new structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does home insurance cover a detached garage?

Yes — a detached garage is one of the most common structures covered under Coverage B. As long as the garage is physically separate from your home and not used for business purposes, it should be protected against covered perils like fire, storms, theft, and vandalism. If the garage is attached to your house, it would fall under dwelling coverage (Coverage A) instead. Make sure your Coverage B limit is high enough to cover a full rebuild of the garage, especially if it has electrical, plumbing, or a finished interior.

Does homeowners insurance cover a shed?

In most cases, yes. A detached storage shed qualifies as an "other structure" and is covered under Coverage B against covered perils such as wind damage, fire, or falling objects. However, any tools, lawn equipment, or belongings stored inside the shed are not covered by Coverage B — those items fall under your personal property coverage. Also note that damage from flooding, earthquakes, or neglect is excluded regardless of what structure is affected.

Is an in-ground swimming pool covered under Coverage B?

An in-ground swimming pool is generally covered under Coverage B as part of other structures coverage. However, coverage can vary by insurer, and some policies may have specific requirements — such as mandating fencing around the pool. Above-ground pools may be treated differently and could be considered personal property instead. Always confirm with your insurer whether your pool is covered and at what valuation method (ACV vs. replacement cost).

Does homeowners insurance cover a driveway?

Many homeowners policies do include driveways and walkways under other structures coverage, though this can vary. If a covered peril — like a severe storm or a vehicle collision — damages your driveway, Coverage B may pay to repair it. However, damage from normal settling, cracking over time, or tree root growth is typically excluded as wear and tear. Check your specific policy language or ask your agent to confirm what's included.

What's the difference between Coverage A and Coverage B?

Coverage A (dwelling coverage) protects the physical structure of your main home — the walls, roof, floors, and built-in systems. Coverage B (other structures coverage) covers structures that are physically detached from your home and located on the same property. The key distinction is connectivity: if a structure is attached to the house, it falls under Coverage A; if it's separate, it's Coverage B. Learn more about how dwelling coverage works and how its limit directly determines your Coverage B default amount.