A rash of recent garage fires in Winnipeg has been featured on local media, with speculation about the causes and various findings creating headline after headline. Concerned homeowners are spending time inspecting their detached structures and outbuildings, such as garages, sheds and fences, for potential dangers and insecure conditions. But have you spent a few moments to consider your home insurance coverage? Will the structure and contents of your detached garage or shed be covered in case of fire or vandalism? It’s important to understand your policy before anything unfortunate happens on your property. Understanding what is covered When in doubt, it’s a good plan to get in touch with our TEAM. Find out whether a detached garage, shed or other outbuilding is covered, including the replacement cost of the building and contents. If a garage fire breaks out on your property, you’ll need the funds to replace or repair the detached structure, as well as replace all of the items stored inside. Homeowner policies usually include coverage for detached structures and outbuildings, while tenant insurance will only cover contents. If you rent your home, find out whether the contents stored in detached buildings are included in your coverage. It’s also important to note that if you use an outbuilding for business purposes or other income activities, your insurance policy may need to be altered. Call our TEAM to learn more. As with any detail of your property, it’s wise to understand the ins and outs of insurance coverage on detached structures. Insurance is one more stage of protection against the rash of garage fires in Winnipeg. If you have any further questions on detached structures or outbuildings, contact our TEAM.