Does homeowners insurance cover fences?

Standard home insurance typically covers fences under the other structures coverage portion of the policy. However, coverage specifics can vary, so it’s important to review your policy details to understand when damage to your fence is and isn’t covered, your coverage limit, and your deductible.

How fence damage is covered by home insurance

For insurance purposes, fences are considered “other structures” on your property. Standard policies include several core components, where other structures coverage — formally called Coverage B — applies to things like fences. Other structures coverage also typically covers:

• Retaining walls

• Sheds and barns

• Detached garages

• Gazebos

• Sidewalks and driveways

• Patios

• In-ground pools

The most common home insurance policies cover other structures on an open-peril (also called all-risk) basis. That means your fence is covered if it is damaged or destroyed by any event that your policy doesn’t exclude — with some notable exceptions. Fence damage can also be more nuanced, because in some cases:

• Fences are damaged by your neighbor’s trees, which can complicate claims.

• Fences are damaged by vehicles, meaning you may want to get the driver’s auto insurance involved instead.

How fence damage claims are paid out

If your claim is approved, most insurers pay for fence damage based on actual cash value (ACV). This means your payout is adjusted for depreciation — the natural wear and tear your fence experiences over time. Because the check reflects the fence's current value rather than its original price, it likely won’t cover the full cost of building a brand-new one today.

For a payout that covers the cost of new materials at today’s prices, you would typically need replacement cost coverage. Many standard policies default to ACV for detached structures like fences. However, some insurers offer replacement cost options for high-durability materials like vinyl or wrought iron. You can find these specifics in your policy’s declarations page, or you can ask your agent for help.

What fence damage is covered by home insurance?

To better understand what types of fence damage are covered by homeowners insurance, it’s helpful to walk through some examples. Each policy is different, but in general, here’s when you can expect damage to be covered.

Windstorms

Generally, if a storm or high winds knock down your fence, your homeowners insurance helps cover the repair or replacement costs. Because a fence is considered an "other structure" on your property, it typically falls under the other structures coverage portion of your policy, formally called Coverage B.

However, coverage isn't always universal. Homeowners in coastal regions may find that their standard policies exclude wind damage from major events like hurricanes or tornadoes. In these high-risk areas, you might need a separate windstorm or hurricane policy to ensure you aren't left footing the bill after a storm.

Understanding your deductible

Before your insurance company helps pay for a new fence, you’ll likely need to pay a deductible. This is the out-of-pocket amount you agree to pay toward a claim.

It is important to check your policy for wind and hail or hurricane deductibles. These are often calculated as a percentage of your home's total insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. This means if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% wind deductible, you would be responsible for the first $6,000 of damage.

Trees and other falling objects

Your fence is generally covered if a tree falls on it, but how it’s covered depends on the specific situation.

If your own tree falls on your own fence

You will simply file a claim with your homeowners insurance to get the repair work covered, less your deductible.

If your neighbor’s tree falls on your fence

This scenario is a little trickier. In general, the Insurance Information Institute says you should file a claim on your own insurance, even if the tree is your neighbor’s. Your fence, your insurance policy, right?

This makes sense if your neighbor’s tree fell during a windstorm or after heavy snow. But what if the tree fell because of your neighbor’s negligence? This could be due to failing to cut down a dead tree or damage incurred while they were trimming their tree.

In that case, you may be able to file a claim on your neighbor’s policy. Alternatively, if you file a claim on your own policy, your insurer might seek compensation from your neighbor instead.

If a falling object damages your fence

Damage caused by other falling objects, such as a telephone pole, branches from a tree (rather than the whole tree), or even something blown off a deck or porch, should be covered by your policy. Speak with your insurer if you’re not certain.

Vehicles

If a driver swerves off the road and crashes through your fence, rest assured. The damage is covered, potentially in multiple ways:

1. If properly insured, the driver should have liability coverage for damage they cause to someone else’s property as part of their auto insurance policy.

2. Other structures coverage on your home policy may also cover the damage.

It’s in your best interest to file a claim on the driver’s auto insurance. That way, the driver, not you, would be responsible for paying the deductible. Plus, filing a claim on your policy could mean higher home insurance costs in the future and losing out on discounts for remaining claims-free. 

Note: If you damage your own fence when backing out of the garage, your auto insurance is unlikely to cover the damage. You’d instead need to file a home insurance claim.

Vandalism

Homeowners insurance includes vandalism coverage. If your fence is intentionally destroyed by someone who does not live in your household or tagged with spray paint by vandals, your homeowners insurance should cover the damage.

Pro tip: Always get a police report when filing a claim due to vandalism.

What fence damage is not covered by home insurance?

There are some instances when fence damage may not be covered. This includes:

• General wear and tear: Fences may eventually fall apart due to the elements. Home insurance doesn’t typically cover damage due to wear and tear, so don’t expect coverage when your fence fails over time.

• Floods or earthquakes: Home insurance policies typically exclude flood and earthquake damage. Homeowners at risk of damage from these events must purchase add-on coverage or a separate policy to protect themselves. So, if you don’t have flood insurance and your fence is damaged by a flood, it won’t be covered.

• Wood rot: If your fence’s wood is rotting because you haven’t maintained your fence over time, it won’t be covered. Make sure to regularly treat your fence to stand up against water from rain and snow.

• Termite damage: Termite damage is not typically covered by homeowners insurance. Inspect fences regularly for signs of termites to stay ahead of infestations.

Fence insurance limits and deductibles

Other structures coverage is typically capped at 10% of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A) policy limit. For instance, if you have $500,000 in dwelling coverage, your other structures coverage may max out at $50,000. Review your home insurance policy or consult with your home insurance agent to determine if your policy limits are sufficient.

Home insurance policies also have deductibles. These are typically a flat rate (anywhere from $500 to $10,000) that you must pay out of pocket before any reimbursement from your insurer. Some insurers do a percentage-based deductible instead.

Knowing your deductible is critical before filing a claim. For instance, if the fence repair is quoted at $1,200 and your deductible is $1,000, you can use that information to decide whether or not to file a claim.

Filing a fence damage claim

If your fence is damaged due to a covered peril, here’s how to file a home insurance claim:

1. Take photos. Take as many photos of the damage as possible once it’s safe to go outside. Try to document the extent of the damage and the source of it (the fallen tree, the car, etc.). If you suspect vandalism, call the non-emergency police line and fill out a police report.

2. Get repair quotes. Have a few contractors assess the damage and provide repair quotes. Get those quotes in writing to submit with your claim.

3. Submit to your insurer. Send as much information to your insurer as possible, including photos, repair quotes, a police report (if applicable), and any notes about the incident. If you believe the fence was damaged due to your neighbor’s negligence, share this information with your insurer before filing a claim, and they can let you know the best course of action.