Creating your perfect backyard getaway — whether it’s a solitude shed, creative studio, personal retreat, or quiet space to unwind — can be a dream come true. But before you hang the string lights and settle in with your favourite book, there’s one detail you don’t want to overlook: insurance coverage.
At Bulger Insurance, we want to make sure that your peaceful escape doesn’t come with unexpected surprises. If you’re building any kind of structure in your yard, it’s important to check your policy and talk to your broker.
What Counts as an “Outdoor Structure”?
Under most standard homeowners’ insurance policies, coverage for structures that aren’t physically attached to your house — like a detached garage, shed, gazebo, barn, or greenhouse — falls under what’s called Part B: Other Structures coverage.
This part of your policy typically insures these structures up to 10% of your home’s insured value. That means if your house is insured for $350,000, your policy would provide $35,000 total for all your detached structures combined.
If you already have a garage and gazebo on your property, and you add a high-end solitude shed to the mix, you may find yourself at — or even over — your coverage limit. In that case, you’d be responsible for the extra costs if damage occurs.
What About Renters?
If you’re renting, your tenant policy does not typically include coverage for outdoor structures like a shed. If you’re considering building something on a rental property, talk to both your landlord and your insurance broker before you start. You’ll want to make sure everyone’s on the same page — and that you’re not risking your investment.
A Real-Life Scenario: When Storms Strike
Imagine this: you’re relaxing in your solitude shed with your favourite playlist on, enjoying a quiet Saturday. Then a storm rolls in. You head inside, and when the weather clears, you discover a tree has fallen across your garage and shed. Your gazebo has also taken a beating from hail and wind.
When the claims adjuster visits, they determine the garage and shed are total losses. The repair and replacement costs exceed your $35,000 coverage limit — and once that cap is reached, your insurance company can’t reimburse you further.
Now you’re left with a tough decision: pay out of pocket to rebuild your peaceful retreat or go without.
Don’t Let a Loss Catch You Off Guard
The good news? You can increase your coverage. At Bulger Insurance, we can help raise your Other Structures coverage from the standard 10% to as much as 30% of your home’s insured value, if needed.
Whether you’re building something new or upgrading an existing structure, talking to your broker ahead of time means you won’t have to worry later.
Peace of Mind for Your Peaceful Space
If you’ve invested time and money into creating a personal escape in your backyard, make sure it’s protected.
Contact Bulger Insurance today to review your policy and explore options for extending your coverage. We’ll make sure your solitude shed — and everything else that matters to you — is properly insured.
