Home insurance is essential protection for your home. But what about the outbuildings and annexes that are also part of your property? In this article, we’ll explain how to insure these extra spaces and the options you have to ensure optimal coverage.
Understanding outbuildings and annexes in home insurance
Outbuildings and annexes are constructions separate from the main residence but part of the same land. They can take different forms:
- Garages,
- Workshops,
- Cellars,
- garden sheds,
- Swimming pools,
- Canopies, etc.
It is essential to take these elements into account when subscribing to your home insurance contract., because they represent real estate and movable property that can be damaged or destroyed by a disaster (fire, water damage, theft, etc.).
Basic guarantees for outbuildings and annexes
In most home insurance contracts, outbuildings and annexes are generally covered by basic guarantees:
- Fire,
- Water damage,
- Theft and vandalism,
- Civil liability,
- Broken glass, etc.
However, it is important to check the definition of dependencies and annexes in your contract, as well as the guarantee limits applied. Indeed, certain contracts may exclude certain structures (swimming pools, wooden constructions, etc.) or impose specific reimbursement ceilings.
Beware of exclusions and limitations
Even if your contract includes dependencies and annexes in the basic guarantees, there may be exclusions or limitations:
- Exclusion of certain outbuildings (e.g.: unburied swimming pools),
- Limitation of the amount of compensation in the event of a disaster,
- Higher deductible for outbuildings and annexes,
- Specific conditions for goods stored indoors (vehicles, tools, etc.).
It is therefore essential to read your contract carefully and discuss with your insurer to understand these limitations and, if necessary, adjust the level of guarantee accordingly.
Optimize the coverage of your outbuildings and annexes
To ensure optimal protection of your outbuildings and annexes, several options should be considered:
Add a specific warranty extension
You can ask your insurer to add a specific warranty extension for your outbuildings and annexes. This option will increase the level of protection and include additional guarantees:
- Compensation in replacement value,
- Electrical damage guarantee,
- Legal protection, etc.
This solution may entail an additional cost on your home insurance premium, but it will guarantee you better compensation in the event of a loss affecting your outbuildings and annexes.
Adapt the value of the insured capital
For compensation in the event of a disaster to be sufficient, it is important to accurately assess the value of the property present in your outbuildings and annexes.. Do not hesitate to have quotes carried out by professionals to estimate the cost of repair or reconstruction work. You will be able to adjust the amount of the insured capital if necessary.
Comply with risk prevention obligations
In order to benefit from optimal coverage, you must also respect the obligations imposed by your insurer in terms of risk prevention (safety, maintenance, etc.). Pay particular attention to:
- Install security devices (alarm, reinforced locks, etc.),
- Regularly maintain electrical, heating and plumbing installations,
- Declare any change in use of outbuildings and annexes (rental, conversion into housing, etc.).
By following these recommendations, you will be able to guarantee optimal protection of your outbuildings and annexes thanks to your home insurance. Don’t forget to compare market offers and talk to your insurer to find the contract that suits your needs and your budget.
