After a strong North Texas storm, it’s common to walk outside and find a section of wooden fence flat on the ground. In Bedford neighborhoods, where backyards sit side by side, that fence usually borders a neighbor’s yard too. The first question is almost always the same: whose insurance handles it?
Start With Where the Fence Sits
It’s generally your fence, and your homeowners policy’s coverage for other structures is the place to look.
It’s generally theirs, even if you see it every day from your patio.
Ownership may be shared, and any agreement between neighbors or HOA rules can shape how repairs are handled. A survey or plat helps settle where the line truly runs.
Storm Damage vs. Wear and Tear
Wind is typically a covered cause of loss for fences under Texas home policies. What often complicates a claim is condition. A fence with rotted posts or long-term leaning may be viewed as a maintenance issue, even if a storm finally knocked it over.
When a Tree Is Involved
If a neighbor’s healthy tree falls on your fence during a storm, your own policy usually handles your fence. Responsibility can shift if the tree was visibly dead or diseased and the owner had been warned.
Neighborly Steps Before Repairs Begin
- Photograph the damage from both yards
- Talk with your neighbor before calling contractors
- Check HOA fence guidelines for height and materials
- Decide together whether one or both of you will contact an insurer
- Put any cost-sharing or ownership agreement in writing
Akoya Insurance helps homeowners across Bedford and the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area understand how their Texas home insurance treats fences, sheds, and other structures before the next storm arrives. Learn more about our agency, or reach out through Akoya Insurance on Airport Freeway in Bedford, TX.