Is Your Shed Covered? (Yes, Even the She-Shed)

If you remember the now legendary insurance commercial where a woman watches her beloved She-Shed go up in flames and dramatically whispers, "She-Shed... she shed," you already understand one very important truth: people are deeply attached to their outdoor structures.

Whether your shed is a carefully decorated retreat, a sacred man cave filled with power tools and questionable collections, or simply the place where the lawnmower lives among spiderwebs and forgotten holiday decorations, it deserves proper insurance protection.

The good news is that your homeowners policy likely covers your shed already.

Most standard homeowners policies include what is called "other structures" coverage, which typically accounts for around 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. So if your home is insured for $300,000, you may have up to $30,000 in coverage for detached structures on your property.

Here is a quick breakdown of what that coverage generally includes:

• Physical damage from covered perils like fire, wind, hail, and vandalism
• Theft of the structure itself (though contents like tools may fall under personal property coverage)
• Liability protection if someone is injured on or near the structure

However, there are situations where your standard coverage may fall short. If you have invested heavily in your shed, upgraded it with electricity, climate control, or premium finishes, or use it as a home office or workshop, the default 10% may not be enough.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, detached structures are among the most commonly underinsured features of residential properties.

A few things that can affect your shed coverage:

• Business use of the structure can limit or void coverage
• High-value tools or equipment may need a separate rider
• Structures used for rental income often require additional coverage

Whether a shed is her sacred sanctuary or his monument to Milwaukee Tool, it represents real value on your property. According to Remodeling Magazine, a well-built shed can add measurable resale value to a home, making it worth protecting properly.

If you would like help reviewing whether your current policy gives your beloved shed the coverage it deserves, contact our office today. We promise not to judge what is inside it.