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Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)

The portion of your homeowner’s policy that covers detached structures on your property — and one of the most consistently overlooked sources of legitimate storm damage in Colorado hail claims.

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What Other Structures Coverage Is

Other Structures Coverage — also called Coverage B — applies to structures on your property that are detached from the main dwelling.

This includes:

  • Detached garages
  • Sheds and outbuildings
  • Fences
  • Pergolas and gazebos
  • Carports

It is a standard part of every homeowner’s policy — not an add-on.

How Coverage B Limits Are Set

Coverage B is typically set as a percentage of Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A):

  • 10% is most common

Examples:

  • $300,000 home → $30,000 Coverage B
  • $400,000 home → $40,000 Coverage B
  • $500,000 home → $50,000 Coverage B

This is a combined pool for all detached structures.

What Coverage B Covers

Detached Garage Roof

One of the most commonly missed items in hail claims.

Sheds and Outbuildings

Often not inspected or included in initial estimates.

Fences

Wood and vinyl fences show clear hail impact and are frequently omitted.

Pergolas and Gazebos

Exposed wood structures with visible impact damage.

Carports

Metal roofs provide strong photographic evidence of hail damage.

All are covered under the same storm event.

Coverage A vs. Coverage B

  • Coverage A — attached structures (house, attached garage)
  • Coverage B — detached structures

Correct classification ensures damage is applied to the right coverage limit.

One Deductible Per Occurrence

Most policies apply a single deductible per storm event.

This means:

  • House + garage + fence = one claim
  • One deductible applies to all damage combined

Including more structures increases payout — not deductible.

Why Coverage B Is Missed

  • Adjusters focus on the main roof
  • Detached structures are not inspected
  • Homeowners don’t realize they are covered
  • Distance or access limits inspection

This makes Coverage B one of the most underclaimed parts of a policy.

How to Document Coverage B Damage

  • Photograph every detached structure
  • Take all elevations and close-ups
  • Measure structures (roof area, fence length)
  • Document before repairs begin
  • Confirm Coverage A vs. B classification

Complete documentation ensures nothing is missed.

Coverage B in the Insurance Estimate

A complete estimate should include:

  • Separate line items for each structure
  • Correct material pricing (including Low-Slope Roof systems if applicable)
  • Full scope for all damaged structures

Missing items should be added through a Supplemental Claim.

Common Questions

Is it worth adding small items like fence damage?

Yes — it increases total claim value without increasing the deductible.

My garage roof is flat. Is it covered?

Yes — but it must be priced with correct materials.

Can I file separate claims for each structure?

No — they should be part of one claim per storm.

I didn’t include these initially. Can I add them?

Yes — through a supplement.

How Claim Advocacy Helps

  • Full property inspection — identifying all structures
  • Coverage classification — A vs. B determination
  • Documentation — capturing all damage
  • Supplement preparation — adding missing items
  • Limit verification — ensuring coverage stays within limits

Other Structures Coverage is one of the most overlooked — and most valuable — parts of a Colorado homeowner’s policy. Ensuring every detached structure is inspected, documented, and included in your claim can significantly increase your total settlement without increasing your deductible.

📞 (719) 210-8699
📧 gerald@winik.io

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