How to File an Insurance Claim for Fence Damage

Fence Damage Coverage

Homeowner’s insurance policies cover much more than just damage to the home. Other sections of the policy cover structures and other buildings on the property. These structures can include detached garages, gazebos, sheds, playgrounds, and fences.

Storm Damage Is Typically Covered

The insurance company will limit its coverage based on the damage’s cause. However, most weather-related occurrences, such as storm damage and wind damage, will be covered by insurance.

Flooding and Earthquakes Isn’t Typically Covered

Natural occurrences, such as flooding and earthquakes, won’t be covered. Many insurance companies require that homeowners purchase separate policies for earthquake and flooding to their homes. It is best to obtain separate policies if living in an area prone to these occurrences.

Tree Damage May Be Covered

Fallen trees may also be covered depending on how the tree fell. If storms or winds knock it over, the insurance company will cover it if the tree is healthy and maintained. If the tree was diseased or poorly maintained, you may have difficulty getting reimbursed for any repairs.

Also, it doesn’t matter if the neighbors owned the tree that hit the fence. You can still file a claim, as your insurance company will go to their insurance company for compensation.

Other Fence Damages That May Be Covered

Your policy may also cover fire, lightning strikes, vandalism, and car accidents. Always file a police report for car accidents or acts of vandalism. These documents will further prove that the damage was not your fault and that you should be compensated.

What to Do Before You File a Claim

Essential steps to take before filing an insurance claim for fence damage to your property.

Look Over Your Insurance Policy Details

Thoroughly read through your policy or contact an agent to determine how much you will be compensated for the fence repairs. Homeowner’s insurance has payment limits set for other structures, as you may find that the policy has a 10% cap. The policy may also limit how much the insurance company will pay for fallen tree and shrub removal.

Also, you want to check your insurance deductible. The deductible will be your responsibility. In some cases, filing a claim may not be in your best interests if the fence repair costs don’t exceed the deductible. In addition, some insurance companies will look at your claim history to decide what to do. If they find that you have filed too many claims, they may raise your premiums or cancel the policy. However, if the damage is massive, and someone else caused the damage, look into filing a claim.

Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of the damage before making any emergency repairs. Try to do this immediately after the accident, as showing the insurance company photos of the car or fallen tree on the fence gives more credence to your claim than simply showing the post broken and the fence slats lying on the ground. Take videos and photos from every angle and any objects that struck the fence.

As mentioned earlier in the post, if the damage was caused by a car accident or vandalism, get a police report. The police will document the details and gather information about the person who caused the damage. They will also take their photos, which can be included with the claim forms you will send to the insurance company.

Check Property Surveys

Specific fencing, especially in residential city neighborhoods, may be shared boundaries with your neighbors. In these cases, fixing the shared boundary fence will be your responsibility and your neighbor’s. Your insurance company will only cover half the repair costs, as the neighbor’s insurance will cover the other half. Reviewing property surveys will determine whether the fence is on the boundary line and if there are shared costs.

Keep Receipts if Performing Immediate Repairs

There will be times when you must make repairs immediately to prevent further damage to your property or your neighbor’s yard, such as a high privacy fence leaning dangerously against a small shed, playground area, or over a neighbor’s pool area. The insurance company will want to see any expenses you paid out-of-pocket for repairs. So keep all receipts and make photocopies of them, or take photos of the receipts with your phone’s camera before sending the documentation to the insurance company.

Filing Your Fence Damage Insurance Claim

Every insurance company has its own guidelines and time frames for filing claims. So contact your insurance agent to find out the details and start the process. They will send you the correct forms to fill out and send back. You want to include as much documentation as possible about what caused the damage and the extent of the issue. Include photos, police reports, and receipts with the forms that will be sent back to the company.

After receiving the claim forms, the insurance company will send their adjuster to inspect the damage. If the damage was caused by vandalism or a car accident, you can present them with a police report and any accompanying photos the law officer took. Try patiently answering the adjuster’s questions, even if you have already provided the same answers to the insurance claims. It is just part of their job, as it can feel frustrating that you have to wait to become compensated.

The insurance company will then send you details of the payment that you will receive. They may also send you a partial payment so that you can begin the repair process. If the entire payment is lower than expected, or they deny your claim, you can appeal and negotiate for a higher price. Talk with the adjuster or your insurance agent if you have concerns about the payment.