Fence damage is covered when caused by a covered peril like a storm or a falling tree, under your other structures coverage. Wear and tear is not covered.
The Short Answer
Fence damage is covered when it is caused by a covered peril, such as a storm, wind, or a falling tree, under your other structures coverage. Damage from age, rot, or wear and tear is not covered.
How Fence Damage Is Covered
A fence is an other structure on your property, so it is covered under the other structures portion of your homeowners policy. If a storm knocks down your fence, or a tree falls on it, the damage is a covered claim up to your other structures limit, subject to your deductible.
The other structures limit is usually about 10% of your dwelling coverage and is shared across all detached structures. A fence that is damaged along with a garage or shed draws from the same limit.
What's Not Covered
Fences that rot, lean, or fall apart from age and weather exposure are not covered. Insurers treat that as normal wear and tear and maintenance, not a sudden covered loss.
If a fence is damaged by a covered event, document it with photos and file promptly. And if your fence is especially valuable, confirm your other structures limit is high enough to cover it along with your other detached structures.
Smarty's Advice Expert Insight
John Smart (Smarty) · Smarty Home Solutions / eXp Realty Agent, AI Certified Agent
Know Your Other Structures Limit
A storm-damaged fence is covered, but a rotted one is not. Confirm your other structures limit covers your fence and other detached structures, and document storm damage promptly.
John Smart, AI-Certified Agent with eXp Realty helps homeowners across Greater Philadelphia protect their whole property. Call 215-598-6848 or schedule a free consultation.