What Biloxi & Gulf Coast Families Need To Know
When reviewing your home insurance policy (HO-3), you’ll notice separate coverages for your dwelling, personal property, and other structures. While the dwelling portion is straightforward, many Biloxi homeowners aren’t sure what falls under personal property or other structures — or what happens if those items are damaged by a storm, theft, or fire.
This guide breaks down these coverages in plain language so Mississippi Gulf Coast homeowners understand what’s protected and where gaps may exist.
What Is Personal Property Coverage?
Personal property coverage protects the belongings inside your home — anything that would fall out if you turned your house upside down.
Common examples include:
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Furniture & décor
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Clothing & shoes
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Electronics
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Tools & equipment
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Appliances not permanently attached
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Jewelry, artwork, collectibles (limited unless scheduled)
On most HO-3 policies, personal property coverage is typically 50%–70% of your dwelling limit. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, personal property may be covered up to $150,000–$210,000.
This protection follows you even outside your home — meaning belongings stolen from your vehicle or lost while traveling may still be covered (subject to deductible & limits).
✅ Local tip for Gulf Coast families:
Storms and break-ins can cause major loss. Keep a video or photo inventory stored digitally — it makes claims much easier after a hurricane or theft.
What Is Other Structures Coverage?
Other structures coverage protects buildings on your property not attached to your home.
Examples include:
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Detached garage
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Fences
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Sheds / metal buildings
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Carports
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Pool house
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Gazebo / pergola
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Dock / pier (coverage varies)
This portion of your HO-3 policy is usually 10% of your dwelling limit. So, if your home coverage is $300,000, other structures are generally insured up to $30,000 by default.
✅ Mississippi Coastal Note:
Many Biloxi-area homes have fences and detached storage buildings. Because hurricanes can easily damage these structures, consider increasing this limit if you’ve added upgrades like a shop, pool house, or backyard improvements.
What’s NOT Covered Under These Sections?
Both personal property and other structures are typically NOT covered for:
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Flooding (requires separate flood policy)
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Earth movement
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Wear & tear
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Pest damage (termites, rodents)
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Business-use buildings unless endorsed
And personal property has sub-limits for certain categories like jewelry, collectibles, and firearms.
Do Hurricane & Flood Risks Affect These Coverages?
Yes — especially on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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Wind damage is typically covered, but may have its own deductible.
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Flood damage is NOT covered and requires a separate flood insurance policy.
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Storm surge is considered flood — not wind.
If you live in areas like Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, D’Iberville, or Pass Christian, having the correct mix of home, wind, and flood coverage is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is my fence covered if a hurricane knocks it down?
A: Yes — under Other Structures, subject to deductible. However, flood/surge damage would require flood insurance.
Q: Does personal property coverage apply if my things are stolen from my car?
A: Yes — even off premises. But your deductible applies, and there may be special limits.
Q: I built a new shed in my backyard — do I need to update my policy?
A: Yes. Other Structures coverage is often limited. Let your agent know so they can increase protection if needed.
Q: Do I need receipts for a personal property claim?
A: Not always. Photos, serial numbers, or a simple home inventory help tremendously during claims.
Should You Increase These Coverages?
Consider increasing limits if you:
✅ Added a shed, shop, or pool house
✅ Installed a new fence
✅ Purchased expensive tools or hobby equipment
✅ Own higher-value furniture or electronics
✅ Built a detached office
Unlike the structure of your home — which must follow replacement-cost rules — you control how much additional personal property or other structures coverage you purchase. It often costs less than you’d think to increase limits.
Final Thoughts
For Mississippi Gulf Coast homeowners, understanding how personal property and other structures are covered under an HO-3 policy is essential — especially with our risk of hurricanes, theft, and water damage.
If you’re unsure whether you have enough protection, McMurphy Insurance in Biloxi can help review your policy, identify gaps, and compare options from multiple carriers.
👉 Call today or request a quote online to make sure your belongings and outdoor structures are properly covered.
