Insurance & Your Shade Sail
Is my shade sail covered by my insurance? It’s a question we get asked a lot, so here’s a handy guide for understanding insurance and your shade sail. We know that deciphering your insurance policy can be difficult at the best of times and we’re here to help, but remember that every insurance policy is different. It’s always best to check with your provider for more detailed information on your policy.
Is a shade sail insured as part of the home or contents?
As far as insurance is concerned your shade sail probably isn’t a permanent part of your home. Most insurance companies define a permanent fixture as something that cannot be removed without causing damage to a structure. In that case, the sail itself is part of the contents of your home. But if there is sail hardware attached to your home or garage, those fixtures might be part of your building policy.
Additional structures for your shade sail are generally covered by your home building insurance as well. There can be exclusions though so check your policy for the different kinds of structures covered. Most insurers do not define shade sails but some, including the RAA, do. Where your policy clearly defines a shade sail those rules will apply.
When is the shade sail insured?
Once you know whether your shade sail is included in your home or contents insurance, or both, the hardest part is over. If your insurer doesn’t list shade sails as part of any exclusions it generally means that your sail is insured in any event your policy covers. If your sail is covered by your building policy then those protections apply. For example, if the policy includes impact cover and a tree falls and damages the sail you’ll be able to make a claim.
There are exclusions if your sail is considered part of your contents. Some policies will refuse to cover any contents left outside. Even though shade sails are designed to be left out in the elements, damage to your sail wouldn’t be covered. To better insure your shade sail you don’t have to change provider. Many companies have tiers of cover or optional extras that can increase your coverage. Other policies may make allowances for items designed for outdoor use and/or have a reduced payout for contents that are left outdoors.
What’s the right insurance for a shade sail?
The right insurance is unique to you, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. If your shade sail and structure are covered under a building policy it will usually have broader protection. If it’s insured by both your home and contents policies, there can be unexpected exclusions in amongst all the fine print. So long as you stay informed, you can make sure your policy is working for you.
Remember we’ve only looked at general home and contents policies here. Specialised cover options are also worth considering, many insurers adjust policies to account for high-value or specialist items. Talk to your provider and you might be able to get an altered policy that better caters to your shade sail.
Insurance repairs and replacements with Adelaide Shade Sails
If your shade sail has been damaged by hail, wind, storm or fire and is covered by your insurance policy, we can help. Adelaide Shade Sails can provide an insurance report and quote to replace your shade sail. We are committed to delivering insurance replacements for your shade sail quickly and within your budget.
Our superior quality shade sails are made with hard-wearing fabric, marine-grade stainless steel fittings and they’re designed for the unpredictable Australian weather. Our local expert installers can help you through the insurance replacement process for your shade sail today.
