Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sheds?

Homeowners in Louisiana face the possibility of a wide variety of disasters striking their property, from hurricanes to hail and even fires. Catastrophic scenarios can be stressful and highly disruptive, but homeowners insurance can grant peace of mind. If the damage extends to the yard, it can raise the question of whether homeowners insurance covers sheds.

At Insurance Claim HQ, our home insurance claim lawyers stand ready to answer any questions you have about your rights as a policyholder and we are ready to fight beside you to secure the compensation you deserve. When it comes to filing a claim for damage that befalls your shed or outbuilding, we can provide guidance specific to your unique situation.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sheds?

When your property becomes the site of an accident or the target of vandalism, the terms of your homeowners insurance policy may apply to your shed. Generally, homeowners insurance does cover structures detached from your house. This can include sheds, gazebos and other outbuildings. Your policy may also cover the costs of damage to any property or items within the shed, such as lawnmowers or tools.

While your homeowners insurance likely covers your shed, it is still important to check the wording of the policy to make sure that the terms do not specifically omit outbuildings from your coverage. It’s also prudent to be aware of any types of damage or disaster that do not fall within the boundaries of protection.

What Disasters Does Outbuilding Insurance Coverage Protect Against?

You can protect sheds and outbuildings on your property with a general homeowners insurance policy or by purchasing additional outbuilding insurance coverage. However, these types of coverage do not necessarily protect against every type of disaster.

Homeowners insurance covers sheds for the same types of damage as your main house on the property, including:

• Fires
• Vandalism
• Burglary
• Hurricanes
• Other weather-related damage

Adding extra outbuilding insurance coverage to your policy may increase the range of disasters for which you can file a claim and may increase your coverage limits for outbuilding damage as well. If your existing homeowners insurance policy doesn’t extend coverage to items within a shed, outbuilding insurance coverage may provide that protection. The types of disasters that insurance will cover, as well as what insurance protects, are policy-dependent.

What Types of Damage Are Common for Sheds?

Damage from high winds, severe precipitation and other events can damage a shed in various ways. Detached buildings may not have the same level of structural strength as the main residence on a property. Knowing what types of damage to expect in the event of a disaster, as well as the type of damage your insurance will cover, can help you take appropriate action when filing a claim.

Common types of damage for which you can seek compensation through outbuilding insurance coverage include:

• Roof damage
• Siding damage
• Fire damage
• Broken windows
• Damage from fallen trees or branches

If an outbuilding sustains these or any other type of damage, our team at Insurance Claim HQ can help you evaluate the estimated repair and replacement costs so you can know how much to expect from your insurance settlement.

Are Sheds Covered by Homeowners Insurance in the Event of Mold?

Most homeowners insurance policies stipulate that they will not cover preventable damage or regular wear and tear, which typically includes mold. This goes for sheds as well as the main house. Your insurance provider will likely assert that the onset of mold was due to poor upkeep. Damage from wood rot, pest infestations and maintenance issues may also be ineligible for compensation.

On the flip side, a malicious insurance adjuster might attempt to deny a valid mold damage claim by asserting that mold or poor maintenance was the root cause of your shed’s damage, even if that was not the case. Even if mold is present in your shed, for example, you may still be eligible for compensation if a separate incident causes further damage.A home insurance claim lawyer can be a valuable ally in ensuring the insurance company does not wrongfully turn your vulnerable situation to its advantage.

How Can a Home Insurance Claim Lawyer Help You?

It can feel like the odds are against you if the insurance company denies your claim, tries to lowball you or says that your policy does not cover outbuildings. Homeowners insurance does cover sheds in the vast majority of cases, but it can be difficult to assert the validity of your claim if insurance adjusters attempt to twist the terms of your policy in their favor. Having a home insurance claim lawyer on your side can ensure you’re able to negotiate with the insurance company on even terms.

At Insurance Claim HQ, we can strengthen your claim by:

• Evaluating the damage to your shed or outbuilding
• Reviewing your homeowners insurance policy to help you explore your compensation options
• Helping you file your claim and submit any other paperwork
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf

When disaster strikes on your property, it is prudent to involve a lawyer sooner rather than later. Having proper guidance from the beginning can remove any uncertainty when you speak to the insurance company and file your initial claim.

Speak With a Louisiana Home Insurance Claim Lawyer Today

Simply put, homeowners insurance does cover sheds in most cases. Our team at Insurance Claim HQ believes it should be easy to file a claim and get adequate compensation from your insurance provider. The unfortunate truth is that some insurers will spare no effort to protect their bottom line at your expense. Contact our team of Louisiana home insurance claim lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a favorable outcome after your shed damage.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.