Your property extends to valuable landscaping, mature trees, and outdoor structures that enhance its beauty and functionality. Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT, helps homeowners understand how their insurance policies protect these important outdoor investments.

Landscaping and Tree Coverage Basics

Most homeowners’ insurance policies provide limited coverage for trees, shrubs, and plants, but only under specific circumstances. Typically, your policy covers landscaping damage caused by covered perils such as fire, lightning, explosion, or vandalism. However, coverage is often capped at a percentage of your dwelling coverage, typically 5%-10%, with per-item limits for individual trees or plants.

Protection for Outdoor Structures

Detached structures like sheds, gazebos, fences, and pool houses are generally covered under your policy’s "other structures" provision. This coverage typically equals 10% of your dwelling coverage amount and protects against the same covered perils as your main home. Items such as swing sets, decorations, and outdoor furniture may fall under personal property coverage if damaged by covered events.

Understanding Coverage Limitations

It’s important to note the exclusions for outdoor property coverage. Damage to trees and landscaping caused by wind, hail, or ice is usually not covered unless a fallen tree damages a covered structure. Additionally, disease, insect damage, and normal wear and tear are not covered. Plants grown for commercial purposes or certain high-value specimen trees may also be excluded unless specifically scheduled in your policy.

Protecting Your Outdoor Investment

Understanding your policy’s outdoor coverage can help you make informed decisions about protecting your landscape investments. Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT, can review your current coverage and discuss options for scheduling high-value outdoor items that exceed standard policy limits.