Is a detached garage covered under homeowners insurance?
Asked by: Fae Ziemann | Last update: June 17, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (9 votes)
Does homeowners insurance cover detached garages?
Detached Garages
These structures are typically covered under a homeowners insurance policy's “Other Structures” portion. “Other Structures” coverage usually amounts to 10% of the dwelling coverage limit.
Is a detached garage considered part of the house?
Detached garages, on the other hand, are not attached to a residence. Garages may be close by, but can also be on the other side of the property. Detached garages are often larger or more creatively built due to the freedom of a stand-alone format.
What is the amount of coverage that would be available for a detached garage?
However, many policies cover detached structures with only a percentage of the value of your home. As an example, your home may be covered for $500,000, but your detached garage may only be covered for 10% of that value – or $50,000.
Is a detached garage considered personal property?
Alternatively, let's say you build a detached garage. The materials you purchased from the hardware store are personal property at first. But once the garage is built and attached to your land, all those materials are now likely to be classified as real property.
Is My Garage Covered Under Homeowners Insurance
Does an attached garage raise insurance?
Attached Garages Add to Your Home's Value
He or she will need to upgrade the policy. It needs to match the new value of your home. Attached garages existing on a home have coverage already. They typically are not more expensive to insure, then.
Do you have to pay taxes on a detached garage?
While you might need to pay some extra property taxes for the value you've added to your property in the form of a detached garage, that bill might not be as bad as you fear. The best approach is just to consider the property tax factor as one component of the overall price of the project.
Does homeowners insurance cover outbuildings?
The answer is “Yes”. Your garage and other outbuildings are covered under your homeowners insurance but there are limits to that coverage.
Can I put a detached garage on my property?
Local Zoning Restrictions and Building Codes
If you are going to be adding a detached garage to your property, whether you are building it yourself or hiring a contractor, you will need to pull a permit before the job can be completed and approved by the city.
What covers garage liability?
Garage liability insurance covers the legal liability of franchised and nonfranchised automobile, truck, truck-tractor, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, and trailer dealers for claims of bodily injury (BI) and property damage (PD) arising out of business operations.
Is a detached garage considered other structures?
Coverage B, also known as other structures insurance coverage, is the part of your homeowners policy that protects structures on your property not physically connected to your home, such as a detached garage, storage shed, or gazebo.
What is the disadvantage of a detached garage?
Cost: Building a detached garage can be more expensive than an attached garage, as it requires its own foundation and utilities. Weather: In areas with extreme weather conditions, getting from a detached garage to your home may be less convenient, especially during rain or snow.
Is a garage considered part of the livable square footage of a house?
Since they are largely used to store vehicles as well as tools, equipment, and other stuff, garages are often not included in the square footage calculation. A garage, however, might be counted toward the total square footage if it has been finished and made livable.
Does home insurance cover my garage?
It depends where your garage is. If it's attached to, or in the grounds of, your home, then it should be covered by your home buildings and contents insurance. That means you won't need a separate policy. If it's a separate structure in the grounds of your property, it might be considered an outbuilding.
Does a home warranty cover a detached garage?
Structural damages as a result of natural disasters such as a tornado or hurricane are not covered under a home builders warranty. Detached garages may be covered under some of the warranty plans, so long as the structure was part of the home's original construction.
Is a detached garage considered residential?
A detached garage is covered under the Dwelling Form, if it has the space to park an automobile completely inside the building, even if the garage is also used for storage of household personal property, or other functions short of formal or informal dwelling or residential usage.
Does adding a detached garage increase property value?
A “functionally adequate” garage in a typical market might add $5,000 to $25,000 worth of value, says Mike Ford, a Southern California-based general certified real estate appraiser since 1986. In high-end markets, the value might be higher.
Do I need permission to convert a detached garage?
If you are converting a detached garage, then you will have to apply for a 'change of use', so it will need building regulations approval.
How close to my neighbor can I build a garage?
How Close to the Property Line Can You Build a Garage? While there are general guidelines for setbacks, the specific requirements can vary significantly depending on your location and local building codes. However, a common standard is to set your garage back 5 to 10 feet from your property line.
Is an attached garage typically covered under a homeowners insurance policy?
An attached garage is connected to your home and is generally considered part of the main dwelling. Therefore, it's typically covered under the standard homeowner's insurance policy. On the other hand, a detached garage is a separate structure that is not directly connected to your home.
What is not covered by homeowners insurance?
Important: Read exclusions in your insurance contract. Earthquake, flood, mold, earth movement, and “wear and tear” are some of the perils that are usually excluded.
What kind of damage is not covered under most residential property insurance policies?
Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, termites, mold, or normal wear and tear. Learn about all the different home insurance exclusions and how to get covered.
Does a detached garage count as square footage?
Does the garage count in the square footage of a house? The garage does not count towards the square footage of a house, as that is considered an unfinished space. A garage will only count towards the square footage of a home is if it has been legally converted into a living space.
Can I write off a detached garage?
Separate Structure
You can deduct expenses for a separate free-standing structure, such as a studio, workshop, garage, or barn, if you use it exclusively and regularly for your business. The structure does not have to be your principal place of business or a place where you meet patients, clients, or customers.
Is building a detached garage worth it?
On the other hand, a detached garage may come with higher upfront costs, but it offers versatility and privacy that can provide long-term value. Detached garages can be customized as workshops, guest suites, or additional storage space, making them ideal for homeowners seeking flexibility in their garage's use.