Home owners often don’t understand the extent of the coverage their home insurance policies provide. The good news is that homeowner’s insurance will cover damage to a fence – provided the damage was due to a covered cause. Depending on the policy, a covered cause may include damage due to a fire, storm, wind or vandalism.

Trees and Storms

If a neighbor’s tree or limb falls on a fence, a homeowner’s policy will typically pay to repair the damage. The same is usually true if a neighbor is cutting branches on their own tree and it damages the policy holder’s fence. Home owners should know that even if the insurance company covers the damage, they may seek to recover the money they paid out on the claim from the neighbor.

The situation can be different and no coverage provided if the insurance company decides the damage could have been prevented or avoided through regular upkeep and maintenance, or if the damage was due to the policy holder’s negligence. In hurricane prone South Florida, an insurance company may exclude damage caused by flooding and winds from the average homeowner’s policy.

Car Crash

While it’s not a regular occurrence, there are instances in which a vehicle leaves the road and crashes into a fence. A homeowner’s policy should pay for the damages. Typically, the driver of the offending vehicle is liable for the damage and their auto policy is responsible for paying for the damage. The home owner’s insurance company may fix the fence, while seeking restitution from the offending driver.

Not Covered

Damage occurring from normal wear, tear and aging of a fence isn’t covered under a homeowner’s policy. Insurance companies won’t pay for damage due to mold, fungus, termites and other detrimental insect pests. Dings and dents from lawnmowers aren’t covered. If damage to a fence was due to vandalism or a vehicle crashed into it, filing a police report is essential and may even be required by the insurance company.

There are dozens of ways that you can increase your home’s value and one of the most effective is with a fence. The installation benefits you and is an attractive feature for potential buyers should you decide to put your home on the market.

It Shows You Care

A well-maintained fence projects the perception of a home and grounds that have been cared for in the best way possible.

Positioning

Where the fence is positioned affects the look and feel of the property. A fence has the ability to make property look larger or smaller. A backyard fence that blocks an undesirable view can make the property infinitely more attractive, while a fence in the front yard can detract from the home and reduce curb appeal.

Purpose

Fences serve a variety of functions from privacy and safety to security. They prevent intruders from entering the property, keep nosy neighbors and passersby from knowing your business, and keep children, the elderly and pets safe. Privacy, safety and security are all major concerns for homeowners and potential buyers. Fencing that serves those purposes can add immensely to home values and make your property more attractive to potential buyers.

A fence doesn’t have to be one that encompasses the entire property. A small or minimal fence is effective for hiding unsightly items that includes generators and A/C units, power boxes, and trash receptacles. Keeping those items out of sight increases the curb appeal of the entire property.

Material

The type of material chosen for your fence will seriously impact your property value. While a chain link fence is an expedient and relatively inexpensive solution, it’s not as visually appealing as wood, PVC or SimTek®. PVC and SimTek® also have the advantages of being able to withstand hurricane force winds.

Installation

Fencing that has been professionally installed wins hands down over a barrier that was a DIY project. Having your fence installed by professionals ensures that it endures and demonstrates that you care about the property, thereby maximizing its value.