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 On a Friday night in Edmond, the Sanders family fired up their new outdoor kitchen for the first time. The grill sizzled, the firepit glowed, and friends gathered under the string lights for burgers and laughter. It was the perfect backyard setup—until a storm the following week brought high winds and hail. A fallen limb cracked the stone countertop, and the firepit sustained damage. When the Sanders called their insurance company, they got a surprise: their policy limits didn’t cover the full repair. As more Oklahoma homeowners invest in outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas, and firepits, questions about insurance coverage become more important. These features aren’t cheap, and they’re vulnerable to the state’s unpredictable weather. So how does home insurance handle these popular backyard upgrades? How Home Insurance Typically Covers Outdoor FeaturesMost homeowners policies categorize outdoor kitchens, firepits, and similar additions under “other structures” coverage. This includes fences, sheds, and detached garages. While these items are covered against perils like fire, wind, and hail, the problem is often the coverage limit. Typically, “other structures” coverage equals about 10% of your home’s dwelling coverage. For a $300,000 home, that’s $30,000 for all detached features combined. That might sound like plenty, but outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, stone counters, and plumbing can easily exceed that number. The Risks Outdoor Living Spaces Face in OklahomaOutdoor kitchens and firepits aren’t just vulnerable to storms. In Oklahoma City and nearby towns like Norman and Moore, these features face several risks:
Each of these scenarios could leave homeowners facing high repair bills without enough coverage. Liability Concerns with Firepits and Outdoor EntertainingThere’s another angle many homeowners forget: liability. If a guest is burned on your firepit, trips on uneven stone, or gets injured during a backyard gathering, your liability coverage comes into play. Standard policies usually start at $100,000 in liability, but serious injuries can easily exceed that amount. How to Make Sure You’re CoveredThe good news? You don’t have to leave your backyard exposed. Here’s what homeowners can do:
Why Local Knowledge MattersAn agent who knows Oklahoma City’s risks can help tailor coverage. Storm damage, hail, and liability from backyard gatherings are real issues in this region. Working with a local, independent agency means getting options that fit your lifestyle instead of a one-size-fits-all policy. Protect Your Backyard InvestmentOutdoor living spaces make summers in Oklahoma more enjoyable, but they also raise questions about insurance coverage. Don’t assume your current policy has you covered. A quick review could save you thousands after the next storm—or the next party. Oklahoma Insurance Professionals, right here in Oklahoma City, helps homeowners protect not just their houses but also their outdoor kitchens, firepits, and gathering spaces. Contact us today for a home insurance review and make sure your backyard is protected as well as the rest of your home.
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