Coverage “Blind” Spots

Every Fall we get questions about coverage for hunting blinds. From tree stands to pop-ups to the Taj Mahal of the Northwoods, we have seen them all.

When talking coverage, it helps to divide hunting blinds into two categories – portable and permanent.

A portable blind or tree stand falls under what we refer to as contents.  Contents are your belongings or personal property so, if you needed to file a claim for a portable blind we would look for the coverage provided by your homeowner’s policy for your contents, which is subject to your deductible. If you have special enhancements on your policy such as Replacement Cost Coverage or the Pioneer Advantage Plus, your portable blind would be eligible for those benefits as well. 

Other options include Sports Equipment Coverage which could eliminate the need to pay a deductible or the Outdoor Advantage Endorsement which can offer up to $5,000 of coverage for portable blinds. To learn more about these and see if either option may be a good fit for you reach out to your agent.

A permanent blind falls under Other Structures when looking at coverage on our Homeowners policy. Indicators of “other structures” are a shingled or metal roof, 2x4 walls, or 4x4 post piers. Other indicators are when it is fixed to the land in a way that makes it not easily removable. Metal and plastic commercial blinds cost thousands of dollars and sometimes straddle the line of portable or permanent. If in doubt, ask your agent!

A permanent blind located at your residence qualifies as a structure and receives the coverage that coincides with your Homeowners policy. If the permanent blind is at your hunting property that has a cabin, your blind would be covered by the policy which covers your cabin. If a permanent blind is on a piece of property that you do not own, the only way to extend coverage would be to inquire with your agent about off premise coverage. You will need to provide photos, show proper construction, and good maintenance. Sealed windows and a locking door are a minimum requirement and not every hunting blind will qualify.

Regardless of the type of coverage, you should plan on regular care and maintenance. If your prime top secret turkey spot is an old dead oak, the blind needs to be somewhere other than directly under the overhanging dead branches. If a pop-up blind is left outside for years, coverage will not apply when it is shredded by the sun, wind, and rain.

Hunting blinds are as unique as the hunters who build and use them. We should know – many of us at Pioneer are preparing our blinds for the Fall as we speak. If you have any questions, please contact your agent, they are a great resource to have all your questions answered!  This is also a great time to give a friendly reminder that we always encourage you to use a tree stand harness and stay safe in the woods!

Disclaimer: This is a general interpretation of processes and coverage. All claims are subject to Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms, and Conditions of the Policy.

Have any questions about what you just read? Please contact your Independent Insurance Agent or email us at socialmedia@psmic.com!