FROM OUR PARTNERS

Laurie Bauer , CAIB | Business Development Manager , Orbit Insurance Services

Upgrading the condition of your yard has many benefits : your curb appeal says a lot about your home , influences people ’ s first impressions , and can improve your resale value .

However , after investing potentially thousands of dollars in greenery and stonework , what happens if your yard is damaged by a fire , someone else ’ s vehicle , vandalism , or theft ? Luckily , your home insurance policy may be able to help .

What Kind of Landscaping Is Covered Under a Home Insurance Policy ?

Nearly all insurance companies cover detached structures , including landscaping , as part of their standard home insurance policy . Some policies will cover you for 5 % of your house ’ s limit of coverage to repair or replace landscaping that ’ s been damaged under certain circumstances . This means your trees , shrubs , and plants will be covered in the event of a fire , a vehicle driving over them , or theft . Suppose your tree falls during a storm ; in most cases , home insurance policies will cover the cost of tree removal and replacement , house repairs , and additional living expenses while your home is being repaired . Still , certain scenarios such as damage caused by disease , drought , water , or the weight of ice and snow may not be covered .

What If Someone Stole My Plants ?

Plants in the ground are covered under any landscaping or detached structure clauses in your policy , but if someone stole your rare potted plant off your front porch , that would be covered under personal property insurance .

Can I Increase My Landscaping Coverage ?

Some people have different degrees of landscaping , so some insurance carriers will let you declare how much coverage you need . For example , if your property is a bare patch of land , you can opt-out to avoid paying a higher premium . However , if you put a lot of blood , sweat , tears , and money into your yard , you can choose to increase your coverage .

Do I Have to Let My Insurance Provider Know That I ’ m Landscaping ?

Most insurance companies include some landscaping coverage regardless of what you ’ ve planted , so you don ’ t have to notify yours if you suddenly develop a green thumb .

Ultimately , the choice comes down to whether you want more coverage depending on the value of your outdoor improvements . However , keep how much you ’ re spending on your outdoor space in mind . If you do make changes to your landscaping and it ’ s increased in value , be sure to check your policy .

If you ’ re a current Orbit policyholder and want to review your existing home insurance policy , or if you ’ re looking for a quote on home insurance to compare to your current policy , call an Orbit insurance broker today .

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