Home Insurance Articles
Items In A Yard And How They Are Covered By Home Insurance
2010-09-08
Typically, an overlooked part when getting quotes for home insurance policies is attaining coverage for possible yard items. Different types of yard items are going to need varying ranges of coverage that may or may not be provided by a home insurance company. It is critical to read and understand what the written policy of the home insurance provider is that insures your house, your land and all of the property involved. Knowledge is power in home insurance, and improper application of said knowledge to various yard items has been the cause of countless denied claims.
Outdoor toys have to be one of the most controversial subjects in the home insurance industry. These toys are yard items like swimming pools, trampolines and jungle gyms to name just a few. Homeowners tend to buy first and ask later when it comes to these yard items. Home insurance providers have declined claims or canceled policies based on these yard items. Coverage of swimming pools and other outdoor toys is dependent upon the individual policy, but most home insurance doesn't cover in ground swimming pools. Above ground swimming pools are more likely to be covered in insurance policies, but might require another umbrella policy to cover them specifically. Trampolines are considered such a hazard to home insurance companies that they are specifically asked about during the screening process and often screened out. Trampolines and jungle gyms are generally not covered by home insurance, but probably will be covered for the medical injuries someone might suffer if they are injured on one of these items, assuming that they are not prohibited on the written policy.
Other yard items that might be questionable in home insurance coverage are outdoor dwellings and tools. This might include a gazebo, yard furniture, sheds, garages, lawn equipment and awnings. Normally sheds and other detached yard dwellings are covered by the homeowner's policy, but usually at a limit of 10% of the limit of the main dwelling. Outdoor tools and accessories are covered like other personal property, but make sure to keep records of purchase, so you can document replacement cost. Additional coverage can be attained by specifically asking for it. Home insurance policies might have rules about whether they base protection value on replacement or fair market value. A lot of home insurance companies customize policies to homeowners' preferences and bill accordingly.
Yard items as a whole are generally covered by home insurance policies. The secret to finding out is to read the individual home insurance policy. If coverage is not included, or inadequate, then oftentimes home insurance providers can add on yard items through supplementary policies. Homeowners should aggressively inquire of home insurance limitations and exclusions.