Damage to the sukkah itself
Homeowners policies insure the house, other structures on the property (like a shed or fence), and your personal property. A sukkah can land in either of the last two categories:
- While it is standing, many carriers would treat a free-standing sukkah as an other structure. A sukkah built onto a deck may be treated as part of the dwelling or as personal property.
- When it is taken down and stored, the panels, schach and decorations are generally personal property.
Either way, coverage applies to the causes of loss your policy covers, such as wind, fire and theft. Wear and tear, rot and damage from poor construction are generally not covered. Because a sukkah is temporary, wording varies by carrier, so it is worth asking how yours treats it.
When a guest gets hurt
Sukkot brings a lot of people into a small, temporary space for a week. If a guest trips, a wall blows in, or a heater causes a burn, your homeowners policy’s personal liability and medical payments coverages are the parts that respond.
If you host often, including Shabbos, Yom Tov and simchas, it is worth looking at your liability limit and adding an umbrella policy.
Setting up safely
- Anchor it for wind. Secure walls and frame so a gust can’t move them onto people, cars or a neighbor’s property.
- Use outdoor-rated cords and lights, and keep heaters away from schach and fabric walls.
- Keep paths clear and lit, especially steps between the house and the sukkah.
- Bring decorations and valuables inside when you can, and never leave candles unattended.
Condos, rentals and balconies
If you live in a condo or townhouse community, your association’s rules and master policy may control where and how you build, and who is responsible for damage to common areas. Your own condo policy still covers your liability and belongings.
If you rent, your landlord’s policy does not cover your sukkah or your guests. That is what renters insurance is for.
Shuls, schools and businesses
A sukkah built by a shul, school or business is that organization’s exposure, not a homeowner’s. Its general liability and property coverage should respond, and any volunteers building it should be considered too.
Not sure how your policy treats it? Send us your declarations page and we will check, well before next year’s Yom Tov.