Does home insurance cover fences?

Are garden fences ever covered by home insurance?

Your fences and gates are covered by your buildings insurance in SOME cases, but not all.

Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home and any outbuildings. That could include structures such as fences, gates, conservatories, sheds and garages that fall within the boundaries of your home.

However, damage to your fences and gates is typically only covered under certain circumstances and conditions which are dependent on the incident and your cover, as different policies can vary. We go through the key details below. But always check your buildings insurance policy for any exclusions.

Garden furniture or garden equipment, such as a lawnmower, is covered by your home contents insurance.

Are fences and gates covered for storm damage?

Storm damage to fences and gates isn’t typically covered by home insurance in most cases.

If fences are covered for storm damage, then there are likely to be conditions on the cover. For example, damage resulting from wear and tear is typically excluded from buildings insurance cover. That means you may have to prove your fence was in good condition before the storm to make a successful claim for damage.

Providers may also have their own definition of what’s classed as a storm. While you may think heavy rain and high winds count as a storm they may not agree.

Check your policy to see if you’re covered for storm damage. Or ask your provider directly.

Does home insurance cover fence damage from wind?

Many buildings insurance policies don’t cover damage to fences and gates caused by high winds. But check your policy to be sure.

If wind damage to your fences is covered, there are likely to be conditions around the strength of the wind that caused the damage. For example, your insurance provider may only cover damage caused by high winds recorded over a certain point on the Beaufort Scale.

Does home insurance cover a tree falling on my fence?

If a tree falls on your fence and damages it, you’ll typically be covered by your home insurance.

But if the tree fell because of a storm, the damage will likely be excluded and you won't be able to claim.

And you may not be covered if the damage was caused during maintenance work. For example, by a tree surgeon.

You’ll normally need to claim on your own home insurance policy and pay any excess, even if it was your neighbour’s tree that caused the damage. However, you may be able to claim against their home insurance policy if you can prove that the tree was known to be unsafe and they failed to act.

Are fences and gates covered for subsidence?

Fences and gates aren’t normally covered for subsidence on their own under a standard home insurance policy.

However, you may be able to claim on your buildings insurance if the damage to your fences and gates occurred at the same time as subsidence damage to your home.

If you’re unsure whether you’re covered, speak to your insurance provider.

Are fences and gates covered for vandalism?

Gates and garden fences are normally covered for vandalism or fire.

However, conditions may apply meaning you won’t be covered if you didn’t take due care and attention. For example, your provider might not pay out for vandalism to your fence if your garden gate was left unlocked.

And if you leave a barbecue burning and it sets fire to your fence, it’s unlikely you’ll be covered.

Does house insurance cover garden walls?

Garden walls could be covered by your buildings insurance under the same terms as fences and gates. So, for example, you may be covered for damage caused by vandalism but not for damage caused by a storm.

Check your policy to see what cover extends to your garden walls and be aware of any conditions or exclusions.

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