What does Coverage B in homeowners insurance cover?
Short answer. Coverage B, usually called other structures coverage, insures buildings and structures on your property that are not attached to the house, such as a detached garage, shed, workshop, gazebo or fence. Its limit is commonly 10 percent of your dwelling coverage, and it pays for storm damage to those roofs under the same kinds of perils as the house.
What counts as an other structure
- Detached garages and carports.
- Sheds, barns and workshops.
- Pool houses, gazebos and pergolas.
- Fences and freestanding walls in many policies.
A structure connected only by a fence or a utility line is generally still treated as separate. A garage that shares a wall or roof with the house is part of the dwelling, Coverage A.
Roofs on other structures
Hail that damages the house roof often damages the detached garage or shed roof too. Make sure the adjuster inspects every structure, measures each roof and lists it in the estimate under Coverage B. Low-slope shed roofs and metal carports are easy to miss. When the same storm caused all of it, everything usually goes on one claim with one deductible.
Limits and gaps
- The limit. Commonly 10 percent of Coverage A, so $30,000 for all other structures combined on a $300,000 dwelling limit. Large outbuildings may need more.
- Business or rental use. Structures used for a business or rented out are often excluded.
- Same exclusions. Wear, rot and neglect are no more covered on a shed than on the house.
- Roof endorsements. Check whether an actual cash value roof endorsement also applies to other structures.
More on the main house is in does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement, and the after a hail storm checklist lists what to photograph on every structure.