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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? That 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.
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 and what typically doesn't:
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) — these are covered under Coverage A
- Personal property inside detached structures — 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
- Business use — a detached workshop used as a commercial business 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.
Coverage B Limit Examples
| Dwelling Coverage (A) | Standard Other Structures Limit (B) |
|---|---|
| $150,000 | $15,000 |
| $300,000 | $30,000 |
| $400,000 | $40,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
| $700,000 | $70,000 |
| $750,000 | $75,000 |
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
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — in-law suites and detached guest houses with full kitchens and bathrooms are expensive to rebuild
- 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 will likely result in a modest premium increase, but it 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
Filing a Coverage B claim for a detached structure follows a process very similar to filing a standard homeowners insurance 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 will verify whether the damage was caused by a covered peril.
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. Note that tools, vehicles, and other belongings stored inside the garage are covered under separate parts of your policy — personal property coverage for items and your auto insurance for vehicles.
Is an in-ground swimming pool covered under Coverage B?
In most standard homeowners policies, yes — an in-ground swimming pool is 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 above-ground pools may be treated differently depending on your insurer. Always confirm with your specific policy or agent, as coverage for pools can vary.
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 — the walls, roof, floors, and anything permanently attached, including an attached garage or a 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, you can — 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 sufficient to cover a full rebuild. Contact your insurance agent to request an increased Coverage B limit. Your insurer may also offer policy endorsements that add targeted protection for specific structures or extend coverage to perils like water backup for structures with plumbing. The premium increase is typically modest compared to the financial risk of being underinsured.