Indeed, the question “Does homeowners insurance cover detached garage?” is one that many Florida residents find themselves asking. Understanding the specifics of your policy is crucial to ensuring you’re adequately protected.
One of the most common questions we hear is whether or not homeowners insurance covers detached garages.
Does Florida Homeowners Insurance cover Detached Garage?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the type of coverage you have.
Usually, homeowners insurance covers a detached garage, but the coverage may vary depending on the policy. For example, some policies may cover the structure of the garage, while others may only cover the contents inside.
It’s important to understand the specifics of your policy to ensure that your homeowners insurance covers a detached garage.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover for Detached Garages?
Typically, Florida homeowners insurance covers a detached garage. In the context of homeowners insurance, detached garages fall under “Other Structures” coverage, also known as Coverage B. This means that your insurance policy can protect against damage to your detached garage due to extreme weather and other covered perils.
However, it’s important to note that while the structure of the detached garage is covered, the contents inside, such as tools or equipment, are usually covered under personal property insurance. It’s also worth mentioning that attached garages are considered part of the home’s structure and are therefore covered by the dwelling coverage of your insurance policy.
This being said, the specifics of what is covered can vary depending on the individual insurance policy. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly read your insurance policy or consult with an insurance professional to understand exactly what is covered.
Common Types of Homeowners Insurance Detached Garage Coverage
Generally, homeowners insurance covers a detached garage under the “Other Structures” provision, also referred to as Coverage B. This means that your detached garage is protected against damage from certain perils such as fire, vandalism, and damage by vehicles.
On the other hand, attached garages are considered part of the main structure of the home and are covered under dwelling coverage.
However, it’s important to note that while the physical structure of the detached garage is covered, the contents inside may require personal property insurance. For instance, if your detached garage is used for storing valuable items, you might need to consider increasing your coverage.
Remember, the specifics of what is covered can vary depending on the individual insurance policy. It’s always recommended to thoroughly read your policy or consult with an insurance agent to understand exactly what is covered.
The Benefits of Broad-Range Coverage
Many homeowners choose a broad-range policy, often called an HO-3, because of the policy protects against a wide array of perils, unless it details specific exclusions.*
Not only does this type of coverage typically protect your home, but it also extends to attached and sometimes detached structures— like a garage or carport. Many of these policies also cover personal injury liability too, in the event someone was injured on the property during the occurrence.
In the event of the example we mentioned above, with the right coverage, this SWFL resident’s damaged garage structure (and likely some of its interior belongings) are protected up to the policy’s defined limits. For example, if the limit was 10%, a $200,000 policy would cover up to $20,000 worth of damage to their garage.
*Most of these policies do not safeguard against floods, and require separate flood protection. As a Florida homeowner, this is worth looking into! Ask us about additional flood insurance.
Homeowners Insurance & Your Car
Unfortunately, your car itself is probably a different story in this particular scenario.
For car coverage in the event of a natural disaster, you’ll need an auto insurance policy that includes comprehensive coverage. Most homeowners insurance will only cover damage in the event of physical intrusion (i.e. if a vehicle crashes into your home, or let’s say, your fence)— not if your car was destroyed while inside of your garage or while sitting in your driveway.
As you can see, there are certain items that aren’t protected if they are damaged inside your garage. Your protection will vary based on your specific policy, and your other individual policies.
Do you have specific questions about the safety of your garage or its contents? Give us a call at (239) 210-7700 and talk with someone from our team. Or, request a quick and easy homeowners insurance quote by taking a few minutes to fill out the linked form.
How to Know if Your Homeowners Insurance Covers a Detached Garage
Determining if your homeowners insurance covers a detached garage involves a few steps:
- Review Your Insurance Policy: This is the first and most important step. Look for a section titled “Other Structures” or “Coverage B”. This typically covers structures on your property that are not attached to your main home, such as a detached garage.
- Check the Coverage Limits: Pay attention to the coverage limit for “Other Structures”. This is usually a percentage of the overall dwelling coverage, typically around 10%. For instance, if your house is insured for $200,000, your detached garage might be covered up to $20,000.
- Understand What’s Covered: Homeowners insurance generally covers certain perils like fire, theft, vandalism, and damage caused by vehicles. However, it may not cover all types of damage, like flooding or earthquakes. Make sure you understand what risks are covered.
- Consider the Contents: While the structure of your garage may be covered, the contents inside may require separate personal property coverage. If you store valuable items in your garage, you may need additional coverage.
- Consult with the Culbertson Agency: If you’re unsure about any aspects of your coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, your insurance agents. We can explain the details of your policy and help you understand whether your homeowners insurance covers a detached garage.
Remember, every insurance policy is different, so it’s important to thoroughly review your own policy to understand your coverage.
