Snow Damage Beyond the Home: Garages, Fences, and Landscaping Claims Explained

When homeowners think about snow damage, the focus is usually on the main house, collapsed roofs, ice dams, or frozen pipes. While those are serious concerns, winter storms often cause damage well beyond the home’s four walls. Garages, fences, trees, and landscaping frequently suffer under the weight of heavy snow and ice, yet these losses are some of the most commonly overlooked or misunderstood insurance claims.

Understanding how snow damage affects these structures, and how insurance companies handle such claims, can make a significant difference in how much you recover after a harsh winter.

How Snow Impacts Structures Beyond the Main Home 

Garages and Detached Structures 

Garages, sheds, and other detached structures are especially vulnerable to snow damage. Flat or low-slope garage roofs can collapse under excessive snow load, particularly if the structure is older or not built to modern codes. Ice accumulation can also cause doors to warp, tracks to bend, and foundations to crack due to freeze-thaw cycles.

While many homeowners assume their garage is fully protected, coverage for detached structures is often capped at a percentage of the main dwelling limit. If the garage houses vehicles, tools, or equipment, the financial loss can add up quickly.

Fences and Gates 

Snow drifts and ice buildup can place enormous pressure on fences. Wooden fences may warp, crack, or rot when exposed to prolonged moisture, while vinyl or metal fences can snap or bend under weight or impact from falling ice. Gates may become misaligned or unusable after repeated freezing and thawing.

Fence damage is frequently overlooked because it may seem minor at first. However, replacement costs, especially for long property lines; can be substantial.

Trees and Landscaping 

Trees, shrubs, and landscaping elements are some of the most visibly affected by winter weather. Heavy snow can snap branches, split trunks, or uproot entire trees. Falling trees may also damage fences, driveways, retaining walls, or even detached structures.

Landscaping features such as retaining walls, decorative stonework, and outdoor lighting can crack or shift due to frost heave. These losses are often dismissed by homeowners as “maintenance issues,” even when they result from a covered weather event.

Why These Claims Are Often Overlooked 

There are several reasons why snow damage beyond the home goes underreported:

• Delayed discovery: Damage to fences or landscaping may not be obvious until the snow melts.
• Assumed exclusions: Many homeowners believe insurers won’t cover “outdoor” damage.
• Small individual losses: A single broken fence panel or damaged tree may seem insignificant on its own.
• Lack of awareness: Policy language regarding other structures and landscaping is often confusing.

Unfortunately, overlooking these damages can leave money on the table that homeowners are entitled to recover.

How Insurers Typically Handle These Claims 

Coverage for Other Structures

Most homeowners insurance policies include coverage for “other structures,” which generally applies to detached garages, sheds, fences, and sometimes driveways. This coverage is usually limited to a percentage, often around 10%, of the dwelling coverage limit.

For example, if your home is insured for $400,000, coverage for other structures may be capped at $40,000. Any damage exceeding that amount may not be fully reimbursed unless additional coverage was purchased.

Landscaping and Tree Coverage 

Landscaping coverage is typically much more limited. Many policies only cover trees, shrubs, and plants if they are damaged by specific perils such as fire, lightning, or vandalism. Snow and ice damage may be excluded entirely, or coverage may be capped at a low dollar amount per item and per loss.

Even when covered, insurers often apply strict limits, for example, a few hundred dollars per tree, regardless of its age or size.

Common Exclusions and Disputes

Insurance companies may deny or reduce claims by arguing that damage was caused by:

• Wear and tear
• Poor maintenance
• Pre-existing conditions
• Gradual deterioration rather than sudden snow load

These disputes are common, especially with garages and fences, where insurers may claim structural weakness rather than weather damage.

Why Documentation and Advocacy Matter 

Proving snow damage beyond the home requires strong documentation. Photos, videos, weather reports, repair estimates, and professional evaluations can all play a critical role. Without proper evidence, insurers may undervalue or deny the claim.

This is where many homeowners struggle. Adjusters working for insurance companies are trained to limit payouts, particularly on secondary structures and landscaping where policy language is less straightforward.

Don’t Leave Winter Damage Unclaimed 

Snow damage doesn’t stop at your front door, and your insurance coverage shouldn’t be treated that way either. Garages, fences, trees, and landscaping all represent real financial investments, and when winter weather causes sudden damage, you may have a valid claim.

Before accepting a denial or low settlement, it’s important to fully understand your policy and your rights as a homeowner.

Get Help Maximizing Your Snow Damage Claim 

If you believe snow or ice has damaged your garage, fence, or property, and your insurance company isn’t offering a fair settlement; professional help can make the difference. Funari Public Adjusters work exclusively for policyholders, not insurance companies, to ensure all covered damage is properly documented and fully compensated.

Contact us today for a free claim review and make sure no part of your winter damage goes overlooked.

Related Reading

Ice Dams vs. General Ice Damage: Why Insurers Treat Them Differently

Understanding Coverage for Roof Leaks and How to Maximize Your Claim

Lightning Damage to Smart Homes: What Today’s Policies Do and Don’t Cover