Outbuilding insurance is protection for private structures detached from your home. It is part of your home insurance (Coverage B of a homeowner policy). Coverage is usually limited to 10%–20% of the insurance on the main dwelling. Additional coverage may be required depending on your situation.
Detached structures are covered for the same perils as the main residence. Most common claims include:
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Should I Insure My Shed or Outbuilding?
Yes, you should insure your detached structures, including sheds. You likely store items in these outdoor structures such as a lawnmower, bicycle, or patio furniture, so in the event of a loss, you will want to ensure your contents are protected. In most cases, you do not need a stand-alone policy to insure your outdoor structures because outbuilding insurance is provided under Coverage B, the detached private structures portion, of your home policy.
What Types of Outbuilding Coverages Are Excluded From My Homeowner's Policy?
Suppose you live on a large property with multiple detached farm outbuildings such as barns, stables, granaries, and other similar farm structures. In this case, a homeowner policy will not provide sufficient outbuilding insurance for your farm outbuildings. We recommend you look into additional insurance or a policy specific to the building's use(s), such as a farm insurance policy or a commercial policy. If you operate a home-based business in an outbuilding, we recommend speaking to a broker about the details of your business to determine what insurance is best. An insurance broker can provide expert advice to ensure you have the proper outbuilding insurance.
Does Outbuilding Insurance Cover Business Use?
All insurance companies are different; however, many can add an endorsement to your home policy that will cover business-in-the-home uses. Most insurance companies have a 'list' of operations permitted to be covered under a residential policy. Suppose your business cannot be insured through home-based business coverage. In that case, an insurance broker can get you several commercial insurance quotes to ensure you and your business are adequately protected. Speaking to an insurance broker is highly recommended to ensure you have the proper outbuilding insurance.
Does Outbuilding Insurance Provide Coverage for Contents Including Expensive Cars, Tools, and Equipment?
Speak to your broker about what is stored inside outbuildings. Keep an inventory (written list, photos, or video) of stored items — this helps in the event of a claim. Tips: keep receipts for expensive tools/equipment; schedule high-value items; discuss vehicle coverage with broker.
Should I Let My Broker Know If I Have Installed A New Shed Or Built A New Detached Structure?
Yes — broker needs: type and size of outbuilding (10%–20% limit may be insufficient); use of the outbuilding (storage, shop, business, rental); contents inside (inventory of stored items). Detached structures are at greater theft risk; adequate coverage is important.
What Are The Most Effective Ways To Keep Sheds and Outbuildings Secure?
Tips: solid padlock or multi-point locking system; motion-detection lighting; security cameras; alarm; keep valuables out of sight; prickly/thorny bushes as deterrent; locking gates; secure structure foundation (wind storms); secure gazebos with ropes/anchors.
