FAQs On Insurance Cover for Fence Damage: Your Questions Answered
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ guide that addresses everything Western Australian homeowners need to know about fence damage and insurance. Whether you live in a standalone house, a strata complex, or own a rental property, this guide will help you understand how your fence is covered, what’s excluded, and how to make successful claims.
Summary:
If your fence needs repairs and you share it with a neighbour, here’s the simple process to follow:
Make a claim with your insurer (if applicable).
Speak with your neighbour – they’re responsible for half the repair costs.
Get a quote from us to give to your insurance to get a cash settlement.
Use your cash settlement to pay your share of the repair and ensure your neighbour pays their share. Once we receive 50% of the total cost of the repairs, we’ll schedule your job. Note that upon completion we require the full amount due. Note that Team Work Fencing does not deal directly with your insurance company. Notice, quotes and basic reports will be provided to the homeowner to assist the insurance claim. For more details, read the Q&A section below.
Section 1: Understanding Your Basic Coverage
1. Is fence damage covered by homeowners insurance in WA.
Yes, most standard home building insurance policies in WA cover fences if they are damaged by a defined insured event—like a storm, fire, impact, or vandalism. Fences are considered part of the “building” in home insurance policies, and coverage typically includes both full and shared boundary fences. However, coverage is always conditional on the fence being well-maintained.
2. What events are covered for fence damage?
Fences are usually covered if damaged by:
Storm and wind (This is the most common reason for a fence damaged due to storms in WA)
Fire and bushfire
Falling trees or branches
Vehicle impact (including hit-and-run)
Vandalism or malicious damage
Explosion or earthquake (check time restrictions after quakes)
Flood and water runoff (only if your policy specifically includes flood cover)
Always confirm your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to see which events are included. Not all policies include flood or earthquake cover by default.
3.What damage is NOT covered?
Insurance does not cover damage caused by gradual processes or lack of upkeep. Common exclusions include:
Wear and tear, rust, rotting, or general ageing
Termites or other pests
Negligent maintenance or pre-existing damage
Subsidence, soil movement, or erosion (unless caused by a specific insured event like a storm)
Structural defects or poor initial construction
Damage caused intentionally by you
4. What about old or poorly maintained fences?
This is the most common reason for claim rejection. If your fence was already leaning, rotted, unstable, or rusty before an event like a storm, the insurer will likely reject your claim. They will argue the failure was due to poor maintenance or its pre-existing condition, not the storm itself. Even if a claim is rejected, professional repair work is still essential for security and safety.
Section 2: Shared Fences, Strata, and Special Cases
5. What happens if the damaged fence is shared with a neighbour?
Under WA’s Dividing Fences Act 1961, you and your neighbour are each responsible for 50% of the cost of a standard fence. Therefore, your home insurance will only cover your 50% share. Your neighbour is responsible for their half, which they must claim on their own insurance or pay for out-of-pocket. You can view the full legislation here: Dividing Fences Act 1961.
6. Who pays the excess for a shared fence claim?
Each homeowner pays their own policy excess when making a claim. If both you and your neighbour are insured and both make a claim, you will each pay an excess to your respective insurers.
7. What if my neighbour refuses to help or is uninsured?
You can still lodge a claim with your insurer for your 50% share. Your neighbour remains legally responsible for their half under the Dividing Fences Act. If they refuse to cooperate, you may need to follow the formal dispute resolution process outlined in the Act, which can involve formal notices and, as a last resort, the Magistrates Court. For detailed guidance on this process, see the information from Legal Aid WA on dividing fences.
8. How does it work for fences bordering public land?
If your fence borders council land, such as a park, public reserve, or laneway, you are typically responsible for 100% of the fence. In this case, your insurer will assess the claim based on the full cost of repair or replacement (less your excess).
9. What if I live in a strata property?
For strata properties (like apartments, villas, or townhouses), the strata’s building insurance usually covers fences, including those between lots and on the external boundaries of the property. You should report any fence damage to your strata manager or body corporate, who will then handle the claim with the strata insurer. For more details, here is some helpful information on this topic: Damaged Strata Boundary Fence in WA.
10. What if I have an asbestos fence?
If your asbestos fence (e.g., “Super Six”) is damaged by an insured event, insurers will typically cover the cost of its safe removal and disposal by licensed professionals. They will also pay for its replacement with a modern, non-asbestos equivalent. Insurers will not pay to remove or replace undamaged sections of the fence. For more information on this process, see our guide on asbestos fence removal.
Section 3: The Claims and Repair Process
11. What do I need to do right after my fence is damaged?
Follow these steps for a smooth process:
Ensure safety first. Take temporary measures to secure the area, especially if you have a pool or pets.
Document everything. Before cleaning up, take clear photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles.
Measure the damaged sections in metres.
Inform your neighbour immediately if the fence is shared.
Lodge the claim promptly with your insurer.
Contact Team Work Fence for a quote. We specialize in assessing and quoting for a fence damaged due to storms, providing the detailed documentation insurers require for repair work.
Cooperate with any assessors or inspectors your insurer sends.
12. What documents or info will I need to lodge a claim?
Be prepared to provide:
Your policy number.
Photos of the damaged fence.
The time, date, and cause of the incident (e.g., “storm on Tuesday night”).
The fence material (e.g., Colorbond, HardieFence, timber, brick).
The approximate length of the damaged section.
A detailed repair or replacement quote from Team Work Fence.
Third-party details if relevant (e.g., a vehicle registration number or police report for impact/vandalism).
13. How long do I have to make a claim?
You should lodge your claim as soon as reasonably possible, ideally within a few days of the incident. Most policies require you to notify the insurer within a set period (e.g., 30 days), as long delays can make it difficult to assess the damage accurately.
14. How do insurers assess fence damage?
For straightforward claims with clear photos and quotes, insurers may settle quickly. For larger or more complex claims, they will likely send an insurance assessor to inspect the site. The assessor’s job is to confirm the cause of the damage and check for any pre-existing issues like rot or rust that could affect the claim’s outcome.
15: Will my insurer cover the full cost?
Your insurer will only cover the portion you legally own and are liable for, up to the limits of your policy.
For a shared fence, this is 50% of the cost of a standard replacement.
For a fully-owned fence, this is 100%. The final payout will be less your policy excess. If your home’s total sum insured is too low, you may not be fully reimbursed for major damage.
Section 4: Maximising Your Claim and Understanding the Details
16. How can I improve my chances of a successful claim?
Be proactive. The best way to ensure a successful claim is to prepare before damage happens:
Maintain your fence regularly. Fix leaning posts, treat rust, and seal or paint timber.
Take dated photos of your fence every 6–12 months to prove its good condition.
Remove overhanging tree branches that could fall and cause damage.
Keep receipts for any professional fence work or materials.
Ensure your home’s sum insured is high enough to cover all structures, including fences.
17. Can I upgrade the fence during replacement?
Yes, but your insurer will only pay for the cost to replace the fence on a like-for-like basis. If you decide to upgrade from a basic timber fence to a premium limestone wall, for example, you must pay the difference in cost yourself.
18. Are fences ever listed separately on policies?
Generally, no. Fences are included under the total building sum insured. However, if you have particularly high-value or extensive fencing (e.g., ornate automatic gates, long rural fencing), you should review your total sum insured to ensure it’s adequate to cover a full replacement.
19. Is there a maximum amount insurers will cover for fences?
In some policies, especially for rural or very large properties, there may be a specific limit on the length of fencing covered (e.g., up to 2km). For most standard suburban homes in WA, this is not an issue, but it is worth checking your PDS if you have a large block.
20. Do all insurers handle fence claims the same way?
While most major WA insurers (like RAC, NRMA/SGIO, Allianz, QBE) follow similar principles, there can be differences in their claims process, customer service, typical excess amounts, and how they define certain events. The most common practice for shared fences is a cash settlement, where they pay you your share and you manage the repairs with your neighbour. Always read your specific PDS.
Still unsure about your fence insurance?
Check your current policy documents, or contact your insurer’s helpline. And if you’re replacing a fence or updating your insurance, make sure your fence is properly accounted for—before damage happens.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and may not reflect the exact terms of your insurance policy. Always check your insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and consult directly with them for accurate advice.
Is your fence damaged due to storms? Team Work Fence specializes in insurance repair work across Perth and Western Australia. Contact us for a professional assessment, detailed quotes for your insurer, and high-quality repairs to restore your boundary. Call us on 08 9450 1626 (or 08 9795 3447) for more info. Alternatively, you can request a fencing quote.
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