Is A Detached Garage Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?

When it comes to structures like detached garages, sheds, and other outbuildings, the question most often asked is, “Is a detached garage covered under my homeowners insurance?”

We’re breaking down how homeowners insurance handles detached garages and other outbuildings, like how much it typically costs, what is covered and how your deductible applies. 

The Huneycutt Group is here to help with expert advice and customized insurance solutions to make sure your property is fully protected.

Let’s get right to it.

How A Detached Garage Is Covered

Homeowners insurance generally includes coverage for other structures on your property, such as a detached garage. This coverage is typically set at 10% of your dwelling limit, meaning that if your home is insured for $300,000, your other structures coverage (like your detached garage) would be covered up to $30,000.

Other structures coverage protects against common risks, including:

• Fire
• Windstorms or hail
• Theft or vandalism
• Falling objects
• Damage caused by vehicles or aircraft

Keep in mind that coverage limits can vary depending on your insurance provider. If you feel that 10% isn’t enough to fully protect your detached garage or other outbuildings, you can increase this limit easily by having your agent adjust your policy. 

For example, if you have a tool shed, detached garage, and a separate building with living space, 10% may not be enough coverage.

When Is A Detached Garage Not Covered 

While homeowners insurance typically covers a wide range of risks, there are situations where a detached garage may not be covered:

1. General wear and tear: Insurance doesn’t cover regular maintenance issues or aging materials. For example, if the roof of your detached garage deteriorates over time, repairs won’t be covered unless they result from a covered peril like a storm.
2. Flooding: Standard homeowners insurance policies do not include flood coverage. You would need a separate flood insurance policy to cover flood damage to your detached garage.
3. Earthquakes: Similar to flooding, earthquake damage requires an additional insurance endorsement.
4. Commercial use: If you use your detached garage for business purposes—such as operating a workshop or storing business inventory—your homeowners policy may not provide enough coverage unless you have specific business property insurance.

If you’re concerned about any of these exclusions, talk to your agent to see what additional coverage options might be right for you.

Detached Vs. Attached Garages

Understanding how insurance treats different types of garages is important. An attached garage is considered part of your primary dwelling and is fully covered under your dwelling coverage. Since it is physically connected to your home, it shares the same coverage limits and deductibles.

A detached garage, on the other hand, is considered a separate structure and falls under the other structures section (Coverage B) of your homeowners policy. As a result, it has its own coverage limit, but shares the same deductible, of your dwelling coverage unless otherwise specified.

What Is Other Structures Coverage?

Other structures coverage is a standard part of most homeowners insurance policies. It covers buildings on your property that aren’t attached to your main home, such as:

• Detached garages
• Gazebos and pavilions
• Sheds
• Barns and greenhouses
• Pools and pool houses
• Non-buildings like fences

This coverage protects these structures from common perils such as fire, theft, windstorms, and vandalism. If you’ve recently added any new structures to your property, it’s a good idea to inform your insurance agent so they can adjust your coverage accordingly.

Most policies set the coverage limit for other structures at 10% of your dwelling coverage, but you can increase this limit if necessary.

Is There Coverage For The Contents Of My Garage?

While homeowners insurance typically covers the contents of a detached garage, it does have limitations. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Personal property: Items such as tools, lawn equipment, and bicycles stored in your detached garage are generally covered under your personal property coverage.
2. Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles are not covered under a homeowners policy, even if they’re parked in your detached garage. These require coverage under an auto insurance policy.
3. High-value items: If you store high-value items, like expensive tools or equipment, in your garage, check your policy limits for personal property coverage. You may need additional coverage for these items.

What Is Covered Under Other Structures?

In addition to detached garages, other structures coverage typically includes:

Gazebos And Pavilions

Great for entertaining, these structures are protected under your other structures coverage.

Sheds

Whether you store garden tools or seasonal decorations, sheds are usually covered for common perils.

Barns And Greenhouses

If you have a barn or a greenhouse for your plants, these can be covered as long as they are not used for commercial purposes.

Pools And Pool Houses

Pools are considered other structures, and coverage usually applies to damage caused by covered perils.

Non-Buildings

This includes fences, driveways, and walkways. Though they’re not enclosed structures, they can still be covered under your policy.

How To Add A New Outbuilding To Your Policy

If you’ve recently added a new outbuilding to your property, it’s important to notify your insurance agent. They can help you update your policy to reflect the new structure and ensure you have adequate coverage. 

Depending on the value of the new structure, you may need to increase your other structures coverage limit.

How A Deductible Works For Your Detached Garage

When you file a claim for damage to your detached garage, your homeowners insurance deductible applies. This means you’ll pay a portion of the repair or replacement costs out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.

For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and the total repair cost is $7,000, your insurance will cover $6,000 after you pay the $1,000 deductible.

Will Home Insurance Cover Your Detached Garage? Key Takeaways

While a detached garage is generally covered under your homeowners insurance, you’ll need to understand the limitations and exclusions that may apply. 

By reviewing your policy and making adjustments where needed, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is well-protected. 

If you have any doubts or concerns, reach out to The Huneycutt Group for expert guidance. 

We’re here to help you safeguard your home and everything on your property.

FAQs For Detached Garage Coverage