Other structures coverage — Coverage B on a homeowners policy — pays to repair or rebuild structures on your property that are not attached to your home, such as a detached garage, shed, fence, gazebo, or in-ground pool. It is commonly set at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit by default, though the percentage varies by carrier and can usually be increased.
How it works
The dividing line between Coverage A and Coverage B is attachment. If a structure is physically connected to the house — an attached garage, a deck bolted to the home — it falls under dwelling coverage. If it stands apart, even connected only by a fence or utility line, it is an "other structure" under Coverage B. The same perils that apply to your dwelling generally apply to other structures.
Example (illustrative numbers): A homeowner has a $300,000 dwelling limit, which puts default other structures coverage at $30,000 (10%). A windstorm flattens a detached garage that costs $38,000 to rebuild. The policy pays $30,000 — the Coverage B limit — leaving the homeowner $8,000 short, plus the deductible. Increasing Coverage B ahead of time would have closed that gap for a modest premium. Numbers are illustrative only.
Why it matters for your policy
Because Coverage B is set automatically as a percentage of the dwelling limit, most homeowners never look at it — until a detached structure is destroyed and the default limit falls short. Situations worth a second look:
- Valuable detached structures: A large detached garage or workshop, a pool house, a barn, or an expensive fence line can easily exceed a 10% default limit.
- Business use: Structures used for business purposes are commonly excluded or limited under Coverage B. A home office in a converted shed or a workshop that generates income may need separate arrangements.
- Rented structures: Structures rented to others (other than as a private garage) are typically excluded.
Exclusions and default percentages vary by carrier and state. Walk your property, add up what your detached structures would cost to rebuild, and compare that to the Coverage B limit on your declarations page.
Have questions about whether your detached structures are fully covered? Better Choice Insurance Group is an independent agency based in St. Charles, Illinois, licensed in 14 states. We’ll explain your options in plain English and compare coverage across our carriers — free, no pressure.
Related terms
- Dwelling Coverage — Coverage A, which pays to rebuild the home itself and attached structures.
- Personal Property Coverage — Coverage C, for belongings — including what you store inside detached structures.
- HO-3 Policy — The most common homeowners form, which defines Coverages A through F.
- Peril — A specific cause of loss, like fire, wind, or theft, that a policy covers or excludes.
- Exclusion — Policy language that removes coverage for certain property or causes of loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a detached garage covered by homeowners insurance?
Yes, generally under other structures coverage (Coverage B) rather than dwelling coverage, as long as the loss is from a covered peril. The catch is the limit: Coverage B commonly defaults to 10% of the dwelling limit, which may not be enough to rebuild a large or finished detached garage.
Are the contents of my shed covered under other structures coverage?
No. Coverage B pays for the structure itself. The tools, mowers, and bikes inside are personal property, covered under Coverage C, subject to its own limit and any special sub-limits. High-value equipment may be worth scheduling separately.
Can I increase my other structures coverage?
Usually, yes. Most carriers let you raise Coverage B above the default percentage for an additional premium, and some let you schedule a specific structure at a specific value. If you have added a pool, outbuilding, or expensive fencing since buying the policy, tell your agent so the limit can keep up.
Last reviewed: August 2026 · Reviewed by Evan Larson, Licensed Insurance Agent