You’ve done the responsible thing. You got insurance for your most valuable asset: your home. Most home insurance policies also cover the contents of your home. But what about your shed or garage? Are the contents covered? Many people have valuable things in their garage like bikes, lawnmowers, furniture and gym equipment. If you are a victim of theft or if these items are damaged, it can be extremely costly to replace everything. Keep reading to learn more about insurance coverage for your shed or garage and the items inside.
Home insurance coverage
Good news: most home insurance policies extend to other structures on your property like a shed or garage (or both). This means that if the contents are damaged or stolen, there is a good chance they will be covered by insurance. However, individual policies vary. It’s important you talk to your insurance broker to make sure they know about any other structures on your property. That way, they can include them in your home insurance coverage.
Detached structures insurance
A detached structure is a permanent structure on your property that is separated by a clear space from the dwelling. (The dwelling is where you actually live.) Examples of detached structures include:
- Detached garage
- Shed
- Gazebo
It’s important to check the exact conditions of your policy to determine what is and isn’t covered. Your insurance broker can go over everything with you and explain the limits of your specific coverage.
Different types of home insurance
Not all home insurance policies are created equal! Some will provide more coverage than others. There are three main categories of home insurance:
- Basic/standard
- Broad
- Comprehensive
As you might have guessed, comprehensive coverage offers the most protection for your home and its contents, as well as any detached structures and their contents. If you’re not sure what level of coverage you need, talk to an insurance broker! A broker will take the time to fully understand your situation. They’ll give you unbiased advice and let you know what type of coverage makes the most sense for your needs.
What if I work from my garage?
Keep in mind that there are different types of insurance for personal and business needs. If you are working from your garage or other detached structure, it’s important to let your insurance broker know. You should also let your broker know if you’re doing any activities in your garage that might be considered risky. Some of those activities include:
- Welding
- Woodworking
- Construction
These types of activities might put you in a higher risk category. Simply let your broker know, and they will make sure you have the coverage you need.
How do I protect the items in my garage?
A home inventory checklist can help you keep track of your belongings. In the event of damage or loss to your property, you can reference your home inventory list. You can include items in your garage, shed or other external structure on this list. In addition to compiling a list of items, you should also take pictures of your home, garage and any other building on your property. This will help prove ownership of items. It can also help document any items you may have missed on your list.
Talk to a BrokerLink expert to make sure you have the home insurance coverage you need
If you need insurance for your home, shed or garage, a BrokerLink insurance advisor can help. We will take the time to get to know you and understand exactly what coverage makes the most sense.
It’s easy to get in touch!
Shed or garage insurance FAQs
Is damage to my garage door covered by insurance even if I cause it?
If you accidentally cause damage to your property, it could still be covered by insurance. That’s what insurance is for! However, every policy is different. To make sure you have the exact coverage you need (including your garage door) make sure you talk to your insurance broker.
How do I calculate the value of my garage and shed contents?
To calculate the value of what’s in your garage and shed, start by making a list of all the items. You can then go online and find the approximate value of these items.
What can I do if the items in my garage have caused major damage to my car?
If damage has been done to your car, your car insurance should cover the damages. Talk to your insurance broker for advice on your specific situation.
