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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Fallen Fence?

Fences are usually covered under "other structures" when a covered peril like wind or a fallen tree knocks them down. Rot and age aren't covered. Here's how the limit and deductible play in.

Insurance Blog, 1 min read

Metal fence
Education, not advice. This page explains how things generally work. It doesn't consider your situation and isn't a recommendation. See our full disclaimer.

Quick answer

Often yes, when a covered peril caused it, such as a windstorm, a fallen tree, a vehicle, or vandalism. Fences are typically insured under Coverage B, other structures, which is often set at around 10% of your dwelling limit. Fences that fail from rot, age, or poor maintenance usually aren't covered.

How the numbers often work

A hypothetical home with a $400,000 dwelling limit has $40,000 of other structures coverage. A storm flattens $6,500 of fencing, and the policy has a $1,000 deductible.

Fence damage $6,500 Deductible − $1,000 Insurer pays $5,500 (subject to policy terms)

Check whether a separate wind or hurricane deductible applies; see wind and hurricane deductibles.

Castle garden

Neighbor situations

  • Neighbor's tree falls on your fence: usually your policy pays; the neighbor may be liable if the tree was obviously dead or hazardous and they were negligent.
  • Shared fence: coverage and cost-sharing can depend on ownership and local law.

See does home insurance cover tree removal and Coverage A through F.

The takeaway

A fence knocked down by a storm, tree, or car is commonly covered under other structures coverage, minus your deductible. A fence that simply rotted isn't.

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