Does Insurance Cover Your Fence After a Storm?

When a storm rolls through and damages your fence, the first question on many homeowners’ minds is, “Does my insurance cover this?” Fences, of course, are vulnerable to high winds, fallen branches, and heavy rains that can cause them to collapse or warp. The good news is that in many cases, your homeowner’s insurance may cover fence repairs or replacements after a storm. However, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Let’s jump into the details of how insurance might help and what you need to know when it comes to getting your fence repaired or replaced.

General Homeowner’s Insurance and Fence Coverage

According to Devin Lynch, president of Summerville, SC fence company Southern Fence, homeowners insurance typically covers more than just your house. “Insurance often extends to structures on your property, including fences. However, whether your insurance will cover fence damage depends on the cause of the damage and the specifics of your policy,” says Lynch.

“If a storm causes direct damage to your fence, many policies classify this as ‘wind damage’ or ‘storm damage.’ In most cases, this type of event is covered by standard homeowner’s insurance.”

The coverage usually falls under the other structures section of your policy, which often includes things like detached garages, sheds, and fences. Keep in mind that this coverage comes with its own deductible, which is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in.

One key factor to remember is that your coverage might not pay for the full replacement cost of your fence. Depending on the age of the fence and the specific terms of your policy, the payout may be based on the fence’s current value rather than its original price. In other words, depreciation could reduce the amount you receive for repairs or replacement.

What Events Are Typically Covered?

If your fence is damaged by wind, hail, lightning, or falling trees during a storm, it is likely covered by your homeowner’s insurance. These natural disasters are considered “covered perils” under most policies. For example, if a storm blows over a tree in your yard, crushing your fence, your insurance should help cover the cost of repairing the fence and possibly removing the fallen tree.

On the other hand, certain events are not covered. Flooding is one common exclusion. If rising water damages your fence, standard homeowner’s insurance usually won’t cover the repairs. For flood coverage, you would need a separate flood insurance policy. Similarly, damage due to normal wear and tear or poor maintenance is generally not covered. Insurance companies expect homeowners to keep their property, including fences, in good condition. If a storm merely finishes off a fence that was already leaning or decayed, the insurance company may deny the claim.

What To Do If Your Fence is Damaged

According to William Brader of Veteran Grains Home Services, If your fence is damaged by a storm, the first thing to do is document the damage.

“Take clear photos of the affected areas, including any debris or fallen trees that caused the problem,” says Brader. “The more detailed your documentation, the better. We’ve helped many clients come up with claims for their insurance companies, and if you need help, call your contractor of record to help document your property before even starting to clean up.”

Next, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. They’ll guide you through what’s covered and what steps you need to take. In some cases, they might send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Be sure to review your policy ahead of time so you understand your deductible and any potential exclusions.

It’s also a good idea to get quotes from local contractors for repairing or replacing the fence. This can help you understand the costs involved and ensure you’re getting a fair settlement from your insurance company.

Weighing the Costs of a Claim

Before filing a claim, consider the cost of repairs versus your deductible. If your deductible is close to or higher than the cost of fixing the fence, it might not be worth making a claim. Claims can also affect your future insurance premiums, so weighing the pros and cons is important. For minor repairs, you may find that it’s easier to cover the cost out of pocket rather than filing a claim.

Additional Protection Options

If you live in an area that experiences frequent storms, you may want to review your policy to confirm what’s covered and consider additional coverage if necessary. In states like South Carolina, where storm damage is more likely, having the right coverage can provide peace of mind. Whether that’s adding a windstorm rider or flood insurance, a little extra protection can go a long way when it comes to safeguarding your property.

South Carolina’s Specific Laws on Insurance Coverage

As we recently saw from hurricane Helene, South Carolina homeowners often face hurricane-force winds, heavy rains, and even tornadoes that can cause significant damage to fences and other structures. The good news is that most standard homeowner’s insurance policies in South Carolina cover storm-related damage, including damage to fences, as long as it falls under a covered peril, like wind or lightning.

However, due to the state’s high risk for hurricanes, some insurance companies may have special deductibles for wind and hurricane damage. This means that if your fence is damaged by a hurricane, your standard deductible might not apply. Instead, the insurer may impose a higher, hurricane-specific deductible. This deductible is often calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value, which can result in a higher out-of-pocket cost before the insurance kicks in.

In South Carolina, it’s also worth considering flood insurance. While hurricane winds may be covered by your regular policy, flooding from the same storm is not. If your fence suffers water damage due to flooding, you would need a flood insurance policy to help with repairs.

Check Your Insurance Policy

After a storm, your fence might be the last thing on your mind, but it’s worth checking if your homeowner’s insurance can help cover the repairs. While policies vary, most include coverage for storm damage to fences, as long as the damage is due to a covered event like wind or falling trees. If you live in a storm-prone area like South Carolina, understanding your policy’s deductibles and exclusions is especially important.

When in doubt, contact your insurance company to discuss your options, and be sure to maintain your fence in good condition to prevent unexpected surprises down the line.

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