When homeowners think about insurance coverage, most focus on the structure they live in – the house itself. But many properties include more than one structure. Detached garages, pool houses, fences, and storage sheds can all add value and functionality to your property.
Those structures may also face risks from storms, falling trees, or other unexpected events. So understanding what Coverage B covers on a homeowners policy becomes important for homeowners with structures around their property.
What Is Coverage B?
Coverage B is the portion of a homeowners policy designed to protect structures on your property not attached to your home.
These are commonly called “other structures.” Because they are separate from the main dwelling, they are insured under their own section of the policy.
Learning what Coverage B covers on a homeowners policy begins with recognizing which types of structures may fall into this category.
Examples often include:
- Detached garages
- Storage sheds
- Fences and gates
- Gazebos or pergolas
- Pool houses
- Guest houses or detached living spaces
- Detached workshops
- Docks or boat houses (depending on the situation)
These structures may still be part of everyday life on your property, even though they are not physically connected to your home.
How Coverage B Works on Your Homeowners Policy
Coverage B is typically calculated as a percentage of the coverage on your home itself, which is known as Coverage A.
With Ovation Home Insurance Exchange homeowners policies, the Coverage B limit can be selected within a range:
- Minimum: 2% of Coverage A
- Optional selections: 5% or 10%
- Maximum: 15% of Coverage A
Some homeowners may also choose to exclude Coverage B entirely, depending on their property layout and insurance needs.
Because Coverage B is based on a percentage of Coverage A, the amount of protection available will depend on the insured value of your home.
When considering what Coverage B covers on a homeowners policy, it’s helpful to review the structures around your property and estimate their potential replacement costs.
Why Coverage B Matters for Florida Homeowners
Florida homes often include outdoor structures designed to support an active lifestyle. Detached garages, pool equipment structures, pergolas, and fences are common features across many properties.
These structures may face risks from weather events, falling debris, or other covered perils. During hurricane season, for example, strong winds can damage fencing, topple detached sheds, or impact outdoor structures not attached to the home.
Understanding what Coverage B covers on a homeowners policy helps homeowners recognize how insurance protection may apply if those structures are damaged.
For example, if a windstorm damages a detached garage or destroys a storage shed on your property, Coverage B may help pay for repairs or rebuilding up to your selected limit.
Because these structures often sit fully exposed to the elements, reviewing Coverage B limits is an important part of evaluating overall property protection.
What Coverage B Typically Does Not Cover
Like other parts of a homeowners policy, Coverage B applies when damage results from a covered cause of loss.
Damage resulting from gradual wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or certain excluded events would not fall under Coverage B protection.
For instance, deterioration of a fence over time or structural issues caused by long-term neglect would generally not be covered.
This is another reason understanding what Coverage B covers on a homeowners policy can help homeowners set realistic expectations about how coverage works.
Review Your Property’s Coverage Needs
Every property is different. Some homes may have only a small storage shed in the backyard, while others include multiple detached structures representing significant value.
Taking time to review your property layout can help determine whether your Coverage B limit aligns with the structures on your property.
Questions homeowners may consider include:
- Do you have a detached garage or guest house?
- Are there outdoor structures such as pergolas, gazebos, or pool houses?
- Would rebuilding those structures after a major storm require significant cost?
Answering these questions can help clarify what Coverage B covers on a homeowners policy and whether the selected limit reflects the structures present on your property.
A Florida Homeowner’s Guide to Coverage B
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect more than just the place you sleep at night. It also helps protect the structures making your property functional and enjoyable.
Coverage B focuses on the detached parts of your property – the spaces used for storage, hobbies, recreation, or everyday convenience.
Understanding what Coverage B covers on a homeowners policy helps ensure those structures are considered when evaluating the overall protection your homeowners insurance provides.
If you have questions about Coverage B limits or how the coverage applies to structures on your property, your insurance agent can help you review your policy and discuss available options.
Not insured by Ovation Home Insurance Exchange yet? Get a quote online today and see how simple protecting your home can be.