Are Fence Panels / Gates Covered by Home Insurance?
Fences and gates play a crucial role in securing your property, providing privacy, and enhancing the overall appearance of your home. However, when extreme weather, accidents, or vandalism cause damage to your fence panels, you may wonder whether your home insurance will cover the costs of repair or replacement.
In this blog, we explore whether fence panels are covered by home insurance, what factors affect your claim, and how you can protect your fencing.
Does Home Insurance Cover Fence Panels?
The short answer is: it depends. Most standard home insurance policies include coverage for fences under buildings insurance, as they are considered part of your property's permanent structures. However, there are several conditions and exclusions to be aware of.
Factors That Affect Fence Panel Coverage
Cause of Damage
Insurance providers assess the cause of damage when determining whether your claim is valid. Common scenarios include:
Storm damage: Many insurers exclude damage caused by storms, especially if they believe the fence was in poor condition before the event.
Vandalism or Theft: If your fence is damaged due to vandalism or stolen, your policy may cover the repair or replacement, but you may need to provide evidence, such as a police report.
Falling Trees: If a tree falls and damages your fence, your insurer may cover the cost—particularly if the tree was on your property.
Accidental Damage: Some policies offer accidental damage cover as an add-on, which may help if your fence is damaged by an unexpected event. Note, that these are rare occurrences, so a football hitting a garden fence and destroying wont count. If this is a problem, read our blog on what garden fences can withstand a football.
Fence Condition and Maintenance
Insurers expect you to maintain your fence panels properly. If they determine that the fence was already weakened due to neglect, they may reject your claim. Regular maintenance, such as painting, treating wood, and fixing minor damage, can help ensure your fence remains in good condition.
It is worth noting that if you are yet to purchase, choose Fence Panels with Long Guarantees: Investing in fencing with long guarantees, such as 25 years, can help prove to insurers that your fence was not already rotten when the damage occurred. If your fence is still within the guarantee period, this can be strong evidence that it was in good condition before the incident. However, if the guarantee has expired, insurers may be more likely to argue that wear and tear played a role in the damage.
Policy Limits and Excess
Check your policy’s terms, as some insurers place limits on how much they will pay out for fence damage. Additionally, you may need to pay an excess fee before your claim is processed, which could be higher than the cost of repairs.
Neighbour Disputes and Shared Fences
If your fence is shared with a neighbour (such as a boundary fence), the responsibility for repairs may be split. It’s best to check your deeds and discuss any damage with your neighbour before making a claim.
Are Gates Covered by Home Insurance?
The same as Fence panels and Sheds, home insurance policies typically cover gates if they are damaged due to insured events like storms, vandalism, or accidents. Coverage for gates may fall under the 'other structures' section of a home insurance policy, similar to fences and sheds. Some policies exclude garden gates or driveway gates from coverage if the damage is due to wear and tear, poor maintenance, or gradual deterioration. This highlights the importance of looking at garden gates or driveway gates that have long guarantees and fittings that can be adjusted (read our blog on garden gate hinge types).
If a gate is damaged due to an incident like a car crash, it may be covered under the property owner's insurance or the driver's liability insurance. Again it is important to check the specific terms of your home insurance policy to determine whether your gate is covered and under what circumstances.
How to Protect Your Fence Panels and Gates
While insurance may cover certain types of damage, it’s always best to take proactive steps to protect your fence:
Secure Your Garden Before a Storm: To prevent damage, flip trampolines upside down, secure outdoor furniture with ties, or store them in a shed. Reduce the risk of loose items becoming dangerous projectiles that could damage fences or property.
Use High-Quality Fence Panels and Gates: Investing in strong, well-constructed fencing, such as pressure-treated panels, can improve durability. Look for garden gates that have adjustable hinges.
Regular Maintenance: Inspect your fence for signs of wear, replace any damaged panels, and apply weatherproof treatments. If buying new, look for products that have long guarantees and that do not have to be re-treated. Read our blog on if your panels need painting or staining.
Choose Fencing with Long Guarantees: Opting for fence panels with long guarantees can help protect your investment and provide peace of mind.
Install Wind-Resistant Features: Consider adding fence posts with concrete bases, windbreaks, or reinforced panels to reduce storm damage risk.
Check Your Insurance Policy: Read your policy carefully to understand what is covered and consider upgrading your coverage if needed.
So, Are They Covered?
Fence panels may be covered by home insurance, but coverage depends on factors such as the cause of damage, maintenance, and policy terms. Since storm damage is sometimes excluded, it’s important to take preventative measures to protect your fence. Choosing fencing with long guarantees can strengthen your case with insurers, as it demonstrates that your fence was not already deteriorating.
If you're looking to upgrade your fencing for better durability and security, explore our range of high-quality fence panels designed to withstand the elements.
