When you purchase homeowner's or property insurance , it’s essential to understand the full scope of what is covered under your policy. One often-overlooked aspect is coverage for other structures on your property. These are structures that aren’t part of the main dwelling but still hold value and serve important functions. In this post, we’ll dive into what other structures are, why they need coverage, and how you can make sure your policy covers them adequately.

If you're in Tempe , Phoenix , Scottsdale , Tucson , Gilbert , or Chandler , Riseson Insurance is here to guide you through the process of ensuring that your property is fully protected. Call us at 602-460-5470 for personalized assistance.

In homeowners insurance, the term “other structures” typically refers to buildings or structures on your property that are separate from your primary home or dwelling. These structures can include:

Detached garages or carports Sheds or storage buildings Fencing and gates Guesthouses or in-law suites (if not rented out) Swimming pools(in some cases) Gazebos, pergolas, or other outdoor structures Barns or stables on agricultural or larger properties Detached workshops or other outbuildings

These structures often require separate coverage, especially when it comes to damage caused by fire , storm , theft , or vandalism. Without proper coverage, you might find yourself financially responsible for repairs or replacements that could be quite expensive.

Protection Against Loss or Damage: If a fire or storm damages a structure like a detached garage or shed on your property, having coverage ensures you won’t be left to pay for repairs or replacements out of pocket. For example, if a heavy storm damages your shed in Chandler, your insurance policy can help you recover costs for repairing the structure. Security for Valuable Items: Many other structures are used to store valuable items, such as tools, equipment, or even vehicles. If something were to happen to these structures, and you had no coverage, the financial burden of replacing both the structure and its contents would fall entirely on you. For example, if your detached garage in Scottsdale stores high-end vehicles or tools, proper insurance ensures you’re protected. Extended Coverage: The other structures coverage is usually part of a standard homeowners insurance policy and can be extended to include additional structures on your property. This ensures that your property is comprehensively covered, not just the main dwelling. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your other structures are covered gives you peace of mind , especially if you have high-value outbuildings or structures that serve vital functions, like a workshop in Phoenix where you run a small business or store inventory.

Other structures coverage generally protects your property from perils such as fire, lightning, windstorms, vandalism, or theft. It usually provides compensation for:

Repairs or replacement costs : If one of your structures is damaged, the insurance can pay to repair or rebuild it. Loss of use: If a structure is destroyed and needs to be rebuilt, this could impact the use of that area on your property. Your insurance might offer compensation for temporary loss of use. Liability protection : If someone is injured while on a structure like a fence or detached shed on your property, liability protection could cover medical bills and legal costs related to the injury.

However, it’s important to note that other structures coverage does not typically cover damage resulting from neglect, wear and tear, or flooding (for flood coverage, you’ll need a separate policy).

When reviewing your homeowner's policy or looking for the right coverage for your property in Tucson, Gilbert, or Chandler, make sure that other structures are included and that you have enough coverage to rebuild them. Here are some tips for ensuring you're fully covered:

Review Your Policy Limits : Typically, homeowners insurance covers other structures at a percentage of the dwelling coverage. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, your other structures might be covered for 10% of that, or $30,000. Make sure the coverage limits are adequate for the value of your other structures. Consider Special Valuations: If your other structures contain valuable items, or if you live in an area where rebuilding costs are high (like parts of Phoenix or Scottsdale), you may want to increase your coverage or consider a policy that accounts for the cost of rebuilding and replacement at today’s prices. Take Inventory: Make a detailed list of all the structures on your property. Include photos, descriptions, and estimated values for replacement. This inventory will help you ensure that all structures are covered. Talk to Your Insurance Agent : Your insurance agent can help you understand the details of your other structures coverage. At Riseson Insurance, we’ll work with you to assess the value of your outbuildings and ensure they are adequately covered.

If you're a homeowner or property owner in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Gilbert, or Chandler, protecting your other structures is an essential part of your insurance plan. From garages to sheds to workshops, these structures play an important role on your property and should not be overlooked when purchasing homeowners insurance.

At Riseson Insurance , we understand the unique needs of local homeowners and property owners. Contact us today at 602-460-5470 to discuss your options for comprehensive coverage for your other structures. Let us help you safeguard your valuable property and ensure that all your structures are adequately protected.

What Are Other Structures?

Why Do Other Structures Need Coverage?

What’s Covered Under Other Structures Insurance?

How to Ensure Your Other Structures Are Adequately Covered

• Detached garages or carports
• Sheds or storage buildings
• Fencing and gates
• Guesthouses or in-law suites (if not rented out)
• Swimming pools(in some cases)
• Gazebos, pergolas, or other outdoor structures
• Barns or stables on agricultural or larger properties
• Detached workshops or other outbuildings

1. Protection Against Loss or Damage: If a fire or storm damages a structure like a detached garage or shed on your property, having coverage ensures you won’t be left to pay for repairs or replacements out of pocket. For example, if a heavy storm damages your shed in Chandler, your insurance policy can help you recover costs for repairing the structure.
2. Security for Valuable Items: Many other structures are used to store valuable items, such as tools, equipment, or even vehicles. If something were to happen to these structures, and you had no coverage, the financial burden of replacing both the structure and its contents would fall entirely on you. For example, if your detached garage in Scottsdale stores high-end vehicles or tools, proper insurance ensures you’re protected.
3. Extended Coverage: The other structures coverage is usually part of a standard homeowners insurance policy and can be extended to include additional structures on your property. This ensures that your property is comprehensively covered, not just the main dwelling.
4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your other structures are covered gives you peace of mind , especially if you have high-value outbuildings or structures that serve vital functions, like a workshop in Phoenix where you run a small business or store inventory.

• Repairs or replacement costs : If one of your structures is damaged, the insurance can pay to repair or rebuild it.
• Loss of use: If a structure is destroyed and needs to be rebuilt, this could impact the use of that area on your property. Your insurance might offer compensation for temporary loss of use.
• Liability protection : If someone is injured while on a structure like a fence or detached shed on your property, liability protection could cover medical bills and legal costs related to the injury.

1. Review Your Policy Limits : Typically, homeowners insurance covers other structures at a percentage of the dwelling coverage. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, your other structures might be covered for 10% of that, or $30,000. Make sure the coverage limits are adequate for the value of your other structures.
2. Consider Special Valuations: If your other structures contain valuable items, or if you live in an area where rebuilding costs are high (like parts of Phoenix or Scottsdale), you may want to increase your coverage or consider a policy that accounts for the cost of rebuilding and replacement at today’s prices.
3. Take Inventory: Make a detailed list of all the structures on your property. Include photos, descriptions, and estimated values for replacement. This inventory will help you ensure that all structures are covered.
4. Talk to Your Insurance Agent : Your insurance agent can help you understand the details of your other structures coverage. At Riseson Insurance, we’ll work with you to assess the value of your outbuildings and ensure they are adequately covered.