Home Insurance “Unknown Zones”: Fences, Sidewalks, and Tree Lawns
Home Insurance “Unknown Zones”: Fences, Sidewalks, and Tree Lawns
When it comes to home insurance and your property, there are three areas that we often get questions about. Let’s take a look at these three mystery zones, your responsibilities, and how homeowner insurance can come into play.
Fences
Generally, fences are covered by home insurance like outbuildings or other structures. They will be protected from covered calamities like winds, fire, and other damage. It is important to note that only fences owned by the property owner are covered, and that fences will not be covered if they are in disrepair. As long as a fence is maintained, and you are the owner, your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover it.
Sidewalks
In most states, sidewalks are considered public property. It is therefore the responsibility of the municipality to maintain sidewalks and repair broken or uneven walkways. In some cases, homeowners can still be held responsible for snow removal. Overall, concrete on the homeowners’ property is covered under the outbuilding’s clause of a home insurance policy. Any damage caused by a covered issue will be covered.
Tree Lawns
In areas where there is a green space between the sidewalk and the roadway, the homeowner may be responsible for maintaining the area, but it is still considered public property. Any trees in the tree lawn will also likely be considered public property and are not the responsibility of the neighboring property owner.
There are many reasons your independent insurance agent is so valuable. They are not held captive to representing the products of only one company. They can compare rates from multiple companies, and they are available if you have questions or concerns.
If you have any questions about the nuances of home insurance, we invite you to contact one of our independent insurance agents for a homeowners’ insurance review. We can also reach out to our network of insurance companies to get an updated price quote. You may even be able to save money. Contact us to get started today!
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Non-Profits Need Protection Too! Safeguarding Your Good Works with Insurance
Non-Profits and Insurance: Myths Busted! Protecting Your Good Works
Beyond the Grave: Burial Insurance vs. Life Insurance Explained
Don’t Be Buried by Confusion: Understanding Burial and Life Insurance
Cracking the Code: Your Car’s VIN and What It Means to You
VIN Decoder Ring: Unveiling the Mysteries of Your Car’s Identification Number
The Aftermath: Proving Your Possessions After a Disaster
Homeowner’s Insurance Hero: How to Prepare for a Claim Before Disaster Strikes
Lost in Translation: Skills of the Past That Young People Might Miss Out On
From Fax Machines to Fancy Footwork: 6 Skills Younger Generations Might Not Have
Beyond the Box Truck: When Does Your Business Need Special Vehicle Insurance?
Business on the Move? Don’t Get Stuck Without the Right Vehicle Insurance
From Bronze Age to Boomers: How Life Expectancy Went From Meh to Magnificent
How Long Will You Live? A Look at Life Expectancy Throughout History (and Why You Might Need Life Insurance)
From Chauffeur to Cheerleader: The Teen Driver’s (and Parent’s!) Guide to Car-Buying Chaos
Teen Driver on the Horizon? This Guide Will Steer You Through Car-Buying Chaos
When Branches Become Brawls: Who Pays When a Tree Attacks Your House?
Neighborly Nightmare: Tree Trouble and Your Homeowner’s Insurance
From Pet Rocks to Pokémania: A Funtastic Journey Through 50 Years of Fads
A Look Back, and a Look Forward