Why Illinois Homeowners Need Insurance for Additional Structures on Their Property

Your home is more than the house itself. Detached garages, sheds, fences, gazebos, and workshops all carry value, yet many Illinois homeowners assume their standard policy fully protects them. Often it does not. Understanding other structures coverage helps homeowners around Elgin, Huntley, and Kane County avoid a costly gap when a storm or accident damages something beyond the main dwelling.

What counts as an additional structure on your property?

Additional structures, also called other structures, are buildings and features not physically attached to your home. A useful rule of thumb is that if it is not connected to the main house, it falls under other structures coverage rather than dwelling coverage.

Common examples include detached garages, storage sheds, fences, gazebos, in-ground pools, and standalone workshops. A covered walkway can create a gray area, so confirm with your agent. Start with our overview of types of homeowners insurance and the Illinois home insurance page.

How much other structures coverage do you actually have?

Most policies cap other structures coverage, often called Coverage B, at roughly 10 percent of your dwelling coverage limit. If your home is insured for $400,000, that means about $40,000 for everything detached.

For homeowners with a large workshop, a detached garage, or extensive fencing, that default may fall short. Review additional coverages offered by homeowners insurance and extra coverages in your policy to see how to raise the limit.

What perils are covered for detached structures?

Basic Illinois homeowners insurance protects against fire, theft, lightning, vehicle damage, and vandalism. Other structures generally share those same covered perils as your dwelling.

However, water and flood damage typically require separate riders, and certain weather events may need added protection. See what water damage is covered and what is not covered by homeowners insurance.

Why do Illinois homeowners often need extra protection?

Illinois weather brings hail, high winds, and heavy snow that can topple fences, crush sheds, and damage detached garages. Older properties may also have aging outbuildings that cost more to rebuild than the default limit allows.

If you have made improvements or added structures, your limit may no longer match reality. Read whether to update your insurance after a renovation and securing storm damage coverage in Illinois.

How do you make sure your whole property is covered?

Start by inventorying every detached structure and estimating its replacement cost. Compare that total against your current Coverage B limit, then close any gap with added coverage or a rider.

An annual review keeps your coverage aligned with changes on your property. See the annual insurance policy review every Illinois homeowner needs and our guide to avoiding common coverage gaps.

Does other structures coverage include liability?

Other structures coverage handles physical damage to the structures themselves. Liability for injuries that happen on your property, such as a guest hurt near your pool or shed, falls under the personal liability portion of your homeowners policy.

Features like pools and trampolines can raise liability exposure, so review your limits. Our guide on covering valuable belongings in Illinois homes can help round out your protection.

Work With Pro Insurance Group

Pro Insurance Group is an independent insurance broker based in Elgin, IL, serving clients across Illinois and 40+ states. Because we shop 20+ A-rated carriers, we put the whole market to work on your rate, and we re-shop every renewal so your premium never quietly creeps up. No agency fees, ever.

Get My Free Home Quote

Prefer to talk it through? Call 833-776-4671 or text "quoteme" to 312-878-9416.

Frequently asked questions