(800) 253-1482What is Other Structures Coverage in Tennessee?
Summary: Other structures coverage, or outbuilding insurance, is a part of standard home policies that protect things like detached garages, sheds, and fencing from the same perils as your home. While some condos/townhomes may not need this protection, most homeowners benefit from this inexpensive approach to safeguarding their property from large financial risks. Estimated Read Time: 3 mins
Other structures coverage (Coverage B) is part of your home insurance that pays to repair or rebuild structures on your property besides your home, like detached garages, sheds, playsets, and fences, if they're damaged by a covered peril like fire or wind.
A standard home insurance policy in Tennessee typically provides 10% of your dwelling coverage to create the policy limits of your other structures coverage.
This means if you have $250,000 worth of dwelling coverage, your other structures coverage will have $25,000 worth of protection.
If you have multiple detached buildings or upgraded structures, you might need more coverage.
It's important to talk to your insurance agent about policy limit increases, endorsements, and finding the right protection for your needs.
What Other Structures Coverage Covers in TN
The main focus of other structures coverage is to protect outbuildings and similar items on your property that aren’t connected to your home.
This includes the following, though some things, such as pools, may vary depending on your insurance company and policy:
- Detached Garages and Sheds
- Fencing
- Elevated Decks, Gazebos, and Patios
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Guest Houses and In-law Apartments
- Playhouses/Jungle Gyms
- Above-Ground Swimming Pools
These items are protected by Tennessee homeowners insurance the same way your home is, though policy limits exist.
Coverage B Other Structures Exclusions for Tennessee Homeowners
Many homeowners policies do not cover all of the risks that could damage your garage, shed, or home.
Other structures coverage exclusions include flooding, earthquakes, sinkholes, landslides, mudslides, and business-related activities.
Flooding is a significant risk in Tennessee, and you need flood insurance to protect your property.
Earthquakes and other natural disasters may also require additional coverage but aren't protected by your home policy.
Furthermore, if you use your garage or shed for business purposes, you'll need business insurance.
Remember, routine home maintenance issues like aging fences or worn-out shingles are also not covered by standard homeowners insurance.
Outbuilding insurance can often be helped with endorsements or additional coverage options as mentioned above for a more complete approach to protecting your home.
The Pros and Cons of Outbuilding Insurance Coverage
You aren’t required by law to maintain Coverage B but you may be required by your mortgage, however, standard policies include these protections.
Furthermore, because you’re covered for so many perils and can apply the protection to a wide range of common property features, homeowners benefit greatly from this safeguard.
For some, other structures coverage may not be necessary as they may not have a standard home insurance policy. This includes those living in condos and townhomes.
However, you’ll need to speak with your insurance agent to better determine your individual needs.
Even if your home is paid off, the cost of rebuilding a major structure on your property may be too large of a financial responsibility to handle.
Maintaining other structures coverage is recommended to help avoid expensive, major losses.
Overall, there are more cons than pros in most cases when it comes to removing the coverage from your policy. Here’s what you need to consider:
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Pros: |
Cons: |
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Cheaper premiums |
You don’t save that much on premiums |
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Simplier coverage |
Dropping your coverage exposes you to costly risks |
|
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Not maintaining other structures coverage can make it difficult to sell your home, deal with legal issues, or get coverage down the road |
Personalized coverage is important for your home insurance, however, experts agree that Coverage B is a low cost approach homeowners can overwhelmingly benefit from.
Get Quotes for Tennessee Homeowners Insurance Other Structures Coverage
How you protect your home matters but it’s also important to shop around and compare the best coverage at the lowest price.
Freedom Insurance Group has partnerships with top-rated insurance companies in Tennessee that deliver reliable protection, discounts, and affordable premiums to protect your home.
Contact us today or get a homeowners insurance quote by clicking the link to quickly compare trusted carriers near you.
