Why is depreciation on my fence non-recoverable?

Where the rule comes from

The loss settlement condition in common homeowners forms lists property paid at actual cash value: personal property, items like awnings, carpeting and household appliances, and structures that are not buildings. A fence falls in that last group. Detached buildings, such as a garage or shed, are buildings and are usually paid at replacement cost.

How fence depreciation is figured

Wood fences get relatively short expected lives because they weather and rot; vinyl and metal fences get longer ones. A 9 year old wood fence given a 15 year life is 60 percent depreciated, so a $5,000 fence section pays about $2,000 before any deductible.

The deductible question

Your deductible generally applies once per loss, not per item. When the fence is part of the same storm claim as your roof, the fence's actual cash value adds to the payout. A claim for the fence alone, by contrast, may not clear the deductible.

What you can check

• That the adjuster used the right material, height and length
• That the fence's age is accurate
• Whether your policy or an endorsement upgrades other structures to replacement cost

A fence knocked down by wind or by a tree from the neighbor's yard is usually claimed under the other structures coverage of your own policy. See wind damage claims and ACV vs RCV.