Understanding Coverage
When protecting your property, homeowners’ insurance is your first line of defense. But many homeowners are surprised to learn that while their homeowner’s insurance covers damage to the garage, it typically does not cover vehicles stored inside. Let’s break down exactly what your policy does and does not include regarding vehicles in your garage.
What Does a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover?
A typical homeowners insurance policy includes the following key coverages:
- Dwelling coverage – protects the structure of your home, including your garage.
- Personal property coverage – covers your belongings like furniture, clothing, and electronics.
- Liability protection – helps cover legal costs if someone is injured on your property.
- Loss of use – reimburses living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril.
But there’s one critical item that gets excluded almost universally: vehicles.
Insurance Coverage for Vehicles
Auto Insurance Policies: Auto insurance covers damages to your vehicle and liabilities arising from its use. It typically includes several types of coverage:
- Liability Coverage: Pays for damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for damages to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another car or object.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Pays for damages to your vehicle caused by non-collision events such as theft, fire, vandalism, and certain natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Pays for damages and injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Are Vehicles Considered Personal Property Under Homeowners Insurance?
No. Even though your car may be physically located on your property or inside your garage, vehicles are not considered personal property under homeowners insurance. Instead, cars are specifically excluded from coverage because they require separate auto insurance policies.
Here’s what most insurance policy exclusions typically say:
“We do not cover motor vehicles, except those not required to be registered and used to service the residential premises.”
This means your registered vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, and trucks are not covered under your homeowners policy, even if they’re inside the garage when damaged.
What If My Garage Burns Down with My Car Inside?
If a fire destroys your garage and the car inside, your homeowner’s policy will likely pay for repairs or rebuilding of the garage. However, you’ll need to file a claim with your auto insurance provider for the damage to the vehicle itself.
If you only have liability-only auto insurance, you’re out of luck. Comprehensive coverage covers fire, theft, vandalism, or weather damage to your car, even when parked.
What About Detached Garages and Carports?
If your garage is detached, it’s still covered under your homeowners insurance, typically under the other structures portion of the policy. But again, this coverage only applies to the structure, not any vehicles inside. The same rule applies to carports, sheds, or any external structure on your property.
Is Theft of a Vehicle from the Garage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
No. Theft of a vehicle—even from within a locked garage—is still an auto insurance matter. However, items stolen from inside the vehicle, like laptops or tools, may be covered under your homeowner’s policy’s personal property protection.
Let’s look at an example:
- Your car is stolen from your garage.
- Your laptop and camera were inside the car.
In this case:
- The car damage is handled through comprehensive auto coverage.
- The laptop and camera may be covered under your homeowner’s policy, minus your deductible.
Special Case: Vehicles Not Required to Be Registered
Some exceptions apply to vehicles not required to be registered, such as:
- Electric scooters
- Golf carts
- Wheelchairs
- Ride-on lawn mowers
If these are stored and used on your property, and not driven on public roads, they may qualify for limited coverage. Be sure to check the language in your policy and discuss with your insurer.
What Perils Are Covered for the Garage Itself?
Your garage, whether attached or detached, is protected against the same covered perils listed in your policy, such as:
- Fire
- Windstorms
- Hail
- Falling objects
- Vandalism
- Theft of non-vehicle property
So, if a tree falls on your garage and damages the door, your homeowner’s insurance will likely pay for the repairs to the structure, not the vehicle inside.
How to Protect Vehicles in Your Garage
To avoid gaps in coverage, consider these steps:
- Carry Comprehensive Auto Insurance: This is the most reliable way to protect your vehicle from damage or theft, whether in the garage or elsewhere. It’s optional in most states, so double-check your policy to ensure you have it.
- Review Your Homeowners Policy: Confirm what’s covered in your garage—both the structure and personal property—and adjust limits or add endorsements if needed (e.g., for high-value items like tools).
- Bundle Your Policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle homeowners and auto insurance, streamlining your coverage and potentially saving money.
Conclusion
In summary, homeowners’ insurance does not cover vehicles in the garage. The primary reason is that motor vehicles are typically covered under separate auto insurance policies tailored to address the specific risks associated with vehicle ownership and operation. However, homeowners’ insurance may provide limited coverage for personal items inside the vehicle or damage to detached structures where the vehicle is stored. To ensure comprehensive protection for both your home and cars, it’s essential to have the appropriate homeowners and auto insurance policies and any necessary endorsements for high-value items or specialty vehicles.
If you have questions about your insurance coverage or need help filing a claim, contact Williams Law, P.A. today for a free consultation. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate your insurance policies and ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.