When most homeowners think about insurance, they picture their house itself—walls, roof, kitchen, and everything inside. But what about the structures on your property that aren’t physically attached to your home?
That’s where Other Structures Coverage, also known as Coverage B, comes in. This guide breaks down exactly what Coverage B is, what it covers, its limitations, and why it matters more than most homeowners realize.
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What Is Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)?
Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B) is a standard part of most homeowners insurance policies that protects structures on your property that are not physically attached to your main home.
This typically includes structures separated from the house by a clear space such as a driveway, yard, or fence.
Common examples include:
- Detached garages
- Sheds or storage units
- Fences and gates
- Gazebos or pergolas
- Guest houses or pool houses
- Driveways, patios, and sometimes pools (depending on the insurer)
In short, if it’s on your property but not part of your main dwelling, it likely falls under Coverage B.
How Much Coverage Do You Typically Have?
Most homeowners policies automatically set Coverage B at about 10% of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A).
For example:
- If your home is insured for $400,000
- Your other structures coverage is typically around $40,000
This default amount is often enough for small structures like fences or sheds—but it may not fully replace higher-value additions like custom garages, workshops, or pool houses.
You can usually increase Coverage B if needed, especially if your property includes significant outbuildings.
What Does Coverage B Protect Against?
Other Structures Coverage generally protects against the same covered perils as your main home, including:
- Fire and smoke damage
- Windstorms and hail
- Lightning strikes
- Vandalism
- Certain types of water damage (depending on policy)
For example, if a windstorm knocks down your fence or a fire damages your detached garage, Coverage B would typically help pay for repair or replacement.
What Coverage B Does NOT Cover
This is where many homeowners are surprised.
Coverage B does not automatically cover everything associated with your detached structures, including:
1. Contents inside structures – Items stored inside a shed or garage (tools, furniture, equipment) are usually covered under Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C)—not Coverage B. You can read more about Personal Property Coverage here.
2. Flood or earthquake damage – These require separate policies or endorsements.
3. Maintenance-related damage – Wear and tear, neglect, or aging structures are not covered.
4. Business use structures (in many cases) – If you operate a business out of a detached structure, coverage may be limited or excluded.
Why Coverage B Matters More Than Homeowners Expect
Many homeowners underestimate how much value exists outside the main house.
According to industry data from Insurance.com, a typical insured home may have 5–15% of its total property value tied to detached structures, landscaping, driveways, fencing, and outdoor improvements.
That means even a “simple” property might include tens of thousands of dollars in exposure outside the main dwelling.
After disasters like fires or hurricanes, we often see homeowners focused on the house itself—only to realize later that:
- The garage is structurally damaged
- The fence line is destroyed
- The shed and outdoor storage are lost
- Outdoor living spaces are unusable
Those losses add up quickly—and Coverage B is what helps fill that gap.
FAQ About Other Structures Coverage
Does Coverage B cover my fence?
Yes, fences are typically included under Other Structures Coverage, as long as the damage is caused by a covered peril like wind, fire, or vandalism.
Is my detached garage covered?
Yes. Detached garages are one of the most common examples of Coverage B protection.
Are pools covered under Coverage B?
Sometimes. Many insurers include in-ground pools under Coverage B, but policies vary. Some may classify them differently depending on how they are built or attached.
Does Coverage B cover contents inside my shed or garage?
No. Contents inside detached structures are usually covered under Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C), not Coverage B.
Final Thoughts: Why This Coverage Matters After a Disaster
Other Structures Coverage is often overlooked until something goes wrong.
If your home, or any structures on your property, have been damaged by fire, water, smoke, or another disaster, Content Recovery Specialists specializes in professional contents packout and restoration services designed to help you recover faster and more completely.
We work alongside homeowners and insurance carriers to:
- Secure and inventory your belongings
- Restore salvageable contents
- Reduce stress during the rebuild process
- Help you reclaim what matters most
When disaster strikes, you don’t just lose a structure—you risk losing everything inside it. CRS is here to help you get that back.
