When most homeowners think about home insurance, they focus on the main house. But what about other structures on your property, like detached garages, sheds, or gazebos? Many homeowners aren’t aware that these structures are often covered under their policy, but it’s important to understand the specifics.
If you’re looking for reliable home insurance in Springfield, OH, Link-Hellmuth Insurance can help you ensure all your property—including detached structures—is protected.
What Are Detached Structures?
Detached structures, sometimes called “other structures” in insurance policies, are buildings or structures on your property that are separate from your main home. Common examples include:
- Detached garages
- Storage sheds
- Gazebos or pergolas
- Fences
- Guest houses or pool houses
These structures add value to your property but can also be vulnerable to risks like fire, theft, or storm damage.
How Detached Structures Are Covered
Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Springfield, OH include coverage for detached structures, but it’s usually a percentage of your main dwelling’s coverage. For example, a typical policy may cover 10% of your home’s insured value for detached structures.
What this means:
- If your house is insured for $250,000, your detached structures may be covered up to $25,000.
- This coverage generally protects against the same risks as your main dwelling, such as fire, windstorm, or vandalism.
What Is Typically Covered?
Coverage for detached structures usually includes:
- Structural Damage – Repairs or replacement of the building if damaged by covered perils (fire, hail, wind).
- Attached Equipment or Fixtures – Items permanently attached to the structure, like garage doors or built-in shelves.
- Limited Property Coverage – Some policies may cover tools or equipment stored in sheds, but often only up to a certain limit.
What May Not Be Covered
While many risks are included, some things are typically excluded or limited:
- Personal Property Inside – Your homeowner’s policy may not fully cover high-value equipment or collectibles inside a shed or detached garage. You may need a rider or endorsement for additional coverage.
- Wear and Tear – Damage from aging, neglect, or maintenance issues usually isn’t covered.
- Certain Natural Disasters – Floods or earthquakes may require separate policies or endorsements.
How to Ensure Adequate Coverage
- Review Your Policy Limits – Check what percentage of your home’s insured value is allocated to detached structures.
- Consider Endorsements – If you have high-value tools, equipment, or a guest house, you may need additional coverage.
- Document Your Property – Keep photos, receipts, and records of improvements for all detached structures.
- Update After Renovations – If you build a new garage, shed, or gazebo, notify your insurance provider to adjust coverage accordingly.
Why Choose Link-Hellmuth Insurance?
At Link-Hellmuth Insurance, we specialize in home insurance in Springfield, OH, helping homeowners protect every part of their property. Our agents can:
- Review your policy to ensure detached structures are adequately covered
- Recommend endorsements or additional coverage when needed
- Help you understand your policy limits and avoid coverage gaps
We make it simple to protect your home, outbuildings, and all the valuables that matter most.
Protect Your Entire Property
Your home is more than just the main house—it includes garages, sheds, and other structures that enhance your property’s value and functionality. With the right home insurance in Springfield, OH, you can rest easy knowing every part of your property is protected.
Contact Link-Hellmuth Insurance today or visit our home insurance page to learn more about coverage for detached structures and how we can tailor a policy to fit your needs.