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What Is Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)?
Other structures coverage, formally called Coverage B, is the section of your standard homeowners insurance policy that protects detached buildings and structures on your property. While dwelling coverage (Coverage A) handles your primary home, Coverage B steps in when separate, freestanding structures are damaged or destroyed by a covered peril.
To qualify as an "other structure," a building or feature must be physically separated from the main home by clear space, or connected only by a fence, utility line, or wall. An attached garage, for example, is part of your dwelling. A detached garage sitting 20 feet away in your backyard falls under Coverage B.
Coverage B is automatically included in most standard HO-3 homeowners policies. It covers damage from the same perils as your dwelling policy (think fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, vandalism, falling objects, and vehicle damage), but it does not cover flooding or earthquakes unless you carry separate policies for those risks. For a broader look at how all the coverages fit together, see our complete guide to homeowners coverages A through F.
What Qualifies as an "Other Structure"?
Coverage B casts a fairly wide net when it comes to eligible structures. Here's a breakdown of what typically qualifies:
Commonly Covered Structures
| Structure | Notes |
|---|---|
| Detached garage | Most common Coverage B claim; shares the same deductible as dwelling |
| Garden shed / storage building | Covered for fire, wind, hail, and other named perils |
| Privacy fence / gates | Includes wooden, vinyl, and chain-link fences |
| Gazebo / pergola / carport | Covered if not attached to the main home |
| Pool house / cabana | Detached pool structures and equipment enclosures |
| Guest house / in-law suite | Covered unless rented to non-residents or used for business |
| Driveways / walkways | Retaining walls and pavement are typically included |
| In-ground swimming pool | Treated as a detached structure in most standard policies |
| Playground equipment | Swing sets and similar fixed outdoor structures |
| Outdoor kitchens | Covered if freestanding and not connected to the home |
What Coverage B Does NOT Cover
- Attached structures (decks, attached garages, covered patios built onto the home) are covered under Coverage A
- Personal property inside detached structures is protected by personal property coverage (Coverage C) instead
- Rental structures: if you rent out a guest house to someone who doesn't live in your primary home, Coverage B typically won't apply and you'll need dedicated guest house or ADU coverage
- Business use: a detached workshop, backyard office, or converted Airbnb shed may be excluded
- Flooding & earthquakes: separate policies are needed for these perils
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How Much Other Structures Coverage Do You Have?
The standard Coverage B limit is 10% of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A). This percentage is automatically built into most HO-3 policies without requiring any action from you. That baseline hasn't changed in 2026, but many insurers now offer far more flexibility, with some carriers allowing Coverage B to be adjusted anywhere from 2% up to 70% of Coverage A.
Coverage B Limit Examples
| Dwelling Coverage (A) | Standard Other Structures Limit (B) |
|---|---|
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $30,000 |
| $400,000 | $40,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
| $700,000 | $70,000 |
| $800,000 | $80,000 |
When 10% Isn't Enough
The default 10% limit works fine for homeowners with a basic shed and a standard fence. But it can fall dangerously short if you have:
- Multiple high-value detached structures: a large detached garage, a guest house, and a pool house combined can easily exceed the 10% default
- Custom-built or specialty structures: unique construction materials, plumbing, or custom finishes drive up replacement costs significantly, especially with construction inflation still elevated in 2026
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs): in-law suites and detached guest houses with full kitchens and bathrooms are expensive to rebuild, and insurers often require a separate ADU policy or higher limits
- Expensive outdoor features: premium fencing, outdoor kitchens, and high-end pergolas add up quickly
To increase Coverage B, contact your insurance agent and request a higher limit. This typically adds about $25 to $150 per year in premium for a moderate increase, but provides far greater financial protection. You can also add endorsements to your policy for specific structures or to cover perils like water backup for structures with plumbing.
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How Coverage B Claims Work
Wind and hail account for roughly 42% of all homeowners claims, and detached structures like garages, sheds, and fences are especially vulnerable to storm damage. Water damage and freezing drive another 24.7% of losses, while fire and lightning cause 22.6%. Filing a Coverage B claim for a detached structure follows a process similar to any structural damage claim. Here's what to expect.
Step-by-Step Claims Process
1. Document the damage immediately Take photos and video of all visible damage to the structure before any cleanup or temporary repairs. Note the date and cause of the damage.
2. Contact your insurance company Report the claim as soon as possible. Most insurers have 24/7 claims hotlines or online portals. Be ready to describe the structure, the cause of damage, and the estimated extent of loss.
3. Meet with a claims adjuster Your insurer will send a claims adjuster to inspect the damaged structure and assess the repair or replacement cost. The adjuster verifies whether the damage was caused by a covered peril. Note that average claim cycle times reached 32.4 days in 2025 (the longest since 2008), so patience is important.
4. Receive your settlement Coverage B pays for the physical structure itself (the repair or rebuilding of the detached garage, shed, fence, etc.) up to your Coverage B limit, minus your deductible. Personal belongings inside the structure are handled separately under your personal property coverage.
5. Make repairs or rebuild Use your settlement funds to restore the structure. Keep all receipts, as your insurer may require documentation.
Covered vs. Not Covered Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a detached garage?
Yes, a detached garage is one of the most common structures covered under Coverage B. It's protected against covered perils like fire, windstorms, hail, vandalism, and vehicle damage. Coverage typically equals 10% of your dwelling coverage, though you can increase this limit if your garage is large or custom-built. Given that rebuilding a 2-car detached garage costs $30,000 to $50,000 in 2026, many homeowners find the default limit inadequate.
Is an in-ground swimming pool covered under Coverage B?
In most standard homeowners policies, yes. An in-ground swimming pool is usually treated as a detached structure and falls under Coverage B. This means it's covered for damage from perils like falling objects, windstorms, and vandalism. However, flooding and earthquake damage are typically excluded, and some insurers classify permanent pools under Coverage A instead. Always confirm with your specific policy or agent, since pool treatment varies by carrier.
Does Coverage B cover my driveway?
Yes, driveways, walkways, and retaining walls are generally covered under Coverage B as detached structures on your property. If a storm causes a tree to fall and crack your driveway, or a vehicle damages your retaining wall, Coverage B would typically apply, subject to your deductible. Keep in mind that gradual wear, settling, or poor installation are not covered, since these are considered maintenance issues rather than sudden covered losses.
What's the difference between Coverage A and Coverage B?
Coverage A (dwelling coverage) protects the physical structure of your primary home, including the walls, roof, floors, and anything permanently attached like an attached garage or built-in deck. Coverage B protects separate, freestanding structures on your property that are not physically connected to the main home. The key distinction is physical separation: if a structure is connected to your home by more than just a fence or utility line, it likely falls under Coverage A. Understanding the difference between dwelling coverage and other structures coverage is essential to making sure you're fully protected.
Can I increase my other structures coverage beyond 10%?
Yes, and in many cases you should. If you have a large detached garage, a guest house, or multiple valuable outbuildings, the standard 10% limit may not be enough for a full rebuild. Contact your insurance agent to request an increased Coverage B limit, which typically adds just $25 to $150 per year in premium. Your insurer may also offer policy endorsements that add targeted protection or extend coverage to perils like water backup for structures with plumbing.
Are ADUs and detached guest houses covered under Coverage B?
Detached ADUs and guest houses can often be covered under Coverage B, but only if they're used as incidental residential space for you or close family. If you rent the unit to non-family tenants, or use it for a business or short-term rental, most insurers will require a separate landlord or dwelling policy. Even when Coverage B does apply, the 10% default limit is usually too low to rebuild a full ADU, so a specific endorsement or higher limit is often necessary.