Does Home Insurance Cover Detached Garages in Alberta?

If you have a detached garage on your property, you might be wondering:

Is my garage covered under my home insurance policy?

In most cases in Alberta, the answer is yes — but not automatically and not always fully.

Let’s break down how it works.

How Detached Garages Are Covered in Alberta

In a standard Alberta homeowners insurance policy, a detached garage is usually covered under what’s called:

“Other Structures” coverage

This part of your policy covers structures on your property that are not physically attached to your home, such as:

Detached garages
Sheds
Fences
Gazebos
Workshops

How Much Coverage Do You Get?

In Alberta, most home insurance policies automatically set “Other Structures” coverage at:

10% of your dwelling coverage amount

For example:

If your home is insured for $500,000
Your detached garage may be covered for up to $50,000

However, this varies by insurer and policy.

If your garage is large, heated, or recently renovated, 10% may not be enough to rebuild it.

What Types of Damage Are Covered?

Detached garages are typically covered for the same insured perils as your home, depending on your policy type (basic, broad, or comprehensive).

Common covered risks in Alberta include:

Fire
Hail damage
Windstorms
Vandalism
Theft
Certain types of water damage

However, coverage depends on the specific wording of your policy.

What About Hail Damage in Alberta?

Given Alberta’s severe hailstorms, this is important.

Most comprehensive policies cover hail damage to detached garages — but:

Some insurers now apply separate hail deductibles
Cosmetic damage to siding or roofing may be limited in some policies

It’s important to understand your deductible and any restrictions.

What About Overland Water or Flooding?

Detached garages are often lower to the ground and may be more vulnerable to water damage.

Standard policies typically do not automatically include:

Overland flood coverage
Sewer backup coverage

These must usually be added by endorsement.

If your detached garage has a drain or plumbing, this becomes even more important.

Are Contents Inside the Garage Covered?

This is another common question.

Items inside the garage are usually covered under your personal property coverage, including:

Tools
Lawn equipment
Seasonal tires
Bicycles

However, limits may apply for:

High-value tools
Business equipment
Collectibles
Vehicles (vehicles are insured under auto insurance, not home insurance)

If you use your garage as a workshop or for business purposes, you may need additional coverage.

What If You Built the Garage After Buying Your Home?

If you added a detached garage after your policy was set up, you should notify your insurer.

If your dwelling coverage wasn’t updated:

Your “Other Structures” limit may be too low
You may not have enough coverage to rebuild

Keeping your policy updated is critical.

When Should You Increase Detached Garage Coverage?

You may need higher limits if:

The garage is oversized
It’s insulated or heated
It has electrical upgrades
You store expensive equipment inside
It includes a loft or additional living space

In some cases, insurers can schedule the structure separately for higher limits.

The Bottom Line

In Alberta, detached garages are typically covered under the “Other Structures” portion of your home insurance policy — usually at 10% of your home’s insured value.

But coverage limits, deductibles, and optional protections (like overland water or hail) matter.

If you’re unsure whether your detached garage is fully protected, reviewing your policy with a professional can prevent costly surprises.