What to Do When a Storm Damages Your Fence — A Complete Insurance Guide
After a tornado or severe storm damages your fence, filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through the process step by step, explains what’s covered, and shows you how AF&G LLC can help you get the maximum value from your claim.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fence Damage?
Yes. Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover fence damage from tornadoes, windstorms, hail, lightning, and fallen trees under “other structures” coverage (also called Coverage B or “appurtenant structures”). This coverage typically equals 10% of your dwelling coverage amount.
For example, if your home is insured for $250,000, your “other structures” coverage would typically be $25,000 — which covers fences, detached garages, sheds, and other structures on your property.
What Fence Damage Is Covered?
- Covered: Tornado damage, windstorm damage, hail damage, lightning strikes, fallen trees (from covered perils), fire, vandalism
- Usually NOT covered: Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, flooding (requires separate flood insurance), earthquake damage, pest/termite damage
- Important: Your deductible applies. If your fence damage is $3,000 and your deductible is $1,000, your insurance pays $2,000.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Fence Damage Insurance Claim
Step 1: Document the Damage (Before Cleanup)
This is the most critical step. Before removing any debris or making temporary repairs:
- Take photos and video of ALL damage from multiple angles
- Include wide shots showing the full extent of damage
- Include close-ups of broken posts, bent panels, torn chain link, etc.
- Photograph any damage to surrounding property (landscaping, structures)
- Document the cause if visible (fallen trees, debris, hail marks)
- Note the date and time of the storm
- Keep damaged materials — don’t throw them away before the adjuster visits
Step 2: Make Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage
Insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This might include:
- Securing loose panels to prevent them from blowing into the street
- Installing temporary fencing to maintain property security
- Removing debris that could cause additional damage
Keep all receipts for temporary repairs — these costs are typically reimbursable. AF&G provides temporary fence rental to secure your property while permanent repairs are planned.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
- File the claim as soon as possible (most policies require “prompt” reporting)
- Provide the date and time of the storm
- Describe the damage
- Share your photos and video documentation
- Ask about your deductible and “other structures” coverage limit
- Request an adjuster visit
Step 4: Get a Professional Damage Estimate
Before the adjuster visits, get an independent estimate from a licensed fence contractor. AF&G provides:
- Free on-site damage assessments
- Detailed itemized repair/replacement estimates broken down by materials and labor
- Photo documentation package organized for insurance submission
- On-site adjuster meetings — we’ll walk through the damage with your insurance adjuster
Step 5: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
- Be present for the adjuster’s visit when possible
- Share your independent estimate from AF&G
- Point out all damage, including items that might be missed
- Ask about replacement cost vs. actual cash value — replacement cost policies pay for new materials, while actual cash value deducts depreciation
Step 6: Review the Settlement Offer
- Compare the insurance offer to your independent estimate
- If the offer seems low, you can negotiate or request a re-inspection
- You have the right to choose your own contractor — you are NOT required to use the insurance company’s preferred vendor
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
This distinction significantly affects your payout:
- Replacement Cost: Insurance pays the full cost to replace your fence with similar materials, regardless of age. This is the better coverage.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Insurance pays replacement cost minus depreciation. A 10-year-old wood fence might only be valued at 40-50% of replacement cost.
Check your policy to see which type you have. If you have ACV coverage, consider upgrading to replacement cost at your next renewal.
How AF&G Helps with Insurance Claims
We’ve helped hundreds of Arkansas homeowners and businesses through the fence damage insurance claim process. Here’s what we provide:
- Free on-site damage assessment within 24-48 hours of your call
- Detailed, itemized estimates formatted for insurance submission
- Complete photo documentation package
- On-site meetings with your insurance adjuster
- Temporary fencing while you wait for claim approval
- Professional repair or replacement once approved
Need help with a storm damage fence claim? Call AF&G at (501) 771-9929 for a free damage assessment and insurance estimate. We serve all of Arkansas plus Memphis, Tulsa, Springfield, Kansas City, Shreveport, Ridgeland, and Alabama.