What Is “Other Structures” Coverage — Why Do You Need It in Oklahoma? 

your home is in Oklahoma City, Moore, Norman, Tulsa, or in the countryside. But did you know your home insurance policy might not cover everything on your property?

That shed in your backyard? The fence around your yard? Your detached garage or pool house? These might not be included under your main Dwelling Coverage. That’s where Other Structures Coverage comes in. It helps protect the things around your home that aren’t physically attached to it—but still cost a lot to fix or replace. These types of detached structures are still part of your property and deserve protection too.

Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.

• What Does “Other Structures” Mean?
• Why Does It Matters in Oklahoma?
• Don’t Let Your Coverage Fall Short!
• Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Does “Other Structures” Mean?

Other Structures Coverage is part of most standard homeowners insurance policies. It helps protect buildings and items that are not connected to your main house by walls or a roof.

Here are some common examples in Oklahoma:

• A shed where you keep tools or lawn equipment
• A detached garage or metal garage building used for storage or parking
  
• A pool house or backyard cabana
• Fences, gates, decks, or walkways
• A playset, swing set, or treehouse
• Prefab garages or small workshops

These things can be expensive to repair or rebuild after a storm, fire, or other disaster. Without proper insurance coverage, you could be stuck paying out-of-pocket. Most insurance policies cover up to 10% of your main home’s insured value under Other Structures Coverage. So, if your home is insured for $250,000, that means up to $25,000 could go toward replacing detached structures like a shed, fence, or carport. Now if you’ve added fancy features—like a custom deck, pool area, or large storage barn—your coverage limits might not be high enough. That’s why it’s smart to know what’s included in your homeowners insurance policy.

2. Why Does It Matters in Oklahoma?

Living in Oklahoma means dealing with storm damage, high winds, hail, lightning, and even tornadoes. These weather events can damage your home—and everything around it.

We see it all the time:

• In Norman, storms can send flying debris into sheds or fences
• In Edmond, hail might break windows in detached garages or dent metal garage buildings
• In Tulsa, strong winds often knock down fences or flip over playsets
• In rural towns, wide-open land increases exposure to wind, fire, and debris
  

If a big storm rolls through and damages your fence or tears apart your gazebo, Other Structures Coverage helps you pay to fix it. If your insurance policy does not include this part, repairs could cost thousands of dollars. Most families are not ready to pay that amount out of their own money. Oklahoma has some of the highest rates of weather-related storm damage in the U.S. With the right home insurance in place, you can stay protected before the next big storm hits.

3. Don’t Let Your Coverage Fall Short!

Many Oklahoma homeowners don’t realize their structures coverage might be too low. And by the time they find out, it’s often too late. Let’s say you build a new workshop in the backyard or install a beautiful privacy fence. Those projects might cost $15,000 or more. If your insurance policy only covers $10,000 under Other Structures Coverage, you’ll have to pay the rest yourself. That’s why it’s important to review your homeowners insurance anytime you make updates or build something new outside your home.

Here’s what you can do:

• Ask your insurance agent if your home insurance policy includes Replacement Cost Value or Actual Cash Value. Replacement cost pays to rebuild at today’s prices, while Actual Cash Value subtracts for depreciation
• Take photos of your sheds, fences, and other detached structures to document what you own
• Keep receipts and records of upgrades, like a new prefab garage, backyard cabana, or storage building

We talk to homeowners all the time who didn’t know their backyard projects weren’t fully covered. A quick check with your insurance agent can help you avoid a big financial surprise.

Why Other Structures Coverage Matters in Homeowners Insurance

Other Structures Coverage may seem like a small part of your homeowners insurance, but it can save you a lot of money if something happens. Whether you live in Moore, Newcastle, Noble, or a quiet spot outside of town, your home is more than just the house. It includes the land, detached garages, fencing, outbuildings, and more. These extras are valuable—and they deserve solid insurance coverage too.

Jim Holmes Insurance helps families across Oklahoma. We make sure everything on their property is properly covered. No guessing. No gaps. Just peace of mind. We help you understand your full policy. This includes Dwelling Coverage. It also covers personal property. It also covers living expenses if your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss.

Ready to Review Your Coverage?

• Click Here to get a fast, free quote!
• Call us at (405) 321-4664 to speak with a friendly local insurance agent. We’re here to help you feel confident in your homeowners insurance policy—no matter what Oklahoma weather throws your way!

Frequently Asked Questions