An addition to a homeowners insurance policy that lists specific high-value items with their appraised or replacement value. Scheduled items receive full replacement cost coverage without deductible and are not subject to sub-limits like 'Contents in the Open.'
The Coverage Gap Most Owners Do Not Know About
Standard homeowners insurance policies (HO-3 form) cover personal property — furniture, electronics, clothing — under the "Contents" or "Coverage C" section. This coverage typically equals 50–75% of the dwelling coverage amount, which sounds generous.
However, buried in the policy language is a sub-limit for "Personal Property in the Open" or "Contents Away from Premises," which caps coverage for items stored or used outdoors. This limit is typically $500 to $1,500 — and it applies to your robot mower because it is stationed outside, even though it is on your property.
For context: the Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD retails at $2,499. The Husqvarna 450XH at $3,299. The Segway X390 at $4,999. Under a standard policy with a $1,000 outdoor limit, you are underinsured by $1,500 to $4,000.
What the Standard Policy Covers (and Does Not)
| Scenario | Covered? | Limit Applied | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft from yard | Yes* | Contents in the Open sub-limit ($500–1,500) | *May require evidence of anti-theft measures |
| Weather damage (lightning, hail) | Yes* | Contents in the Open sub-limit | *Subject to deductible |
| Vandalism | Yes* | Contents in the Open sub-limit | *Police report typically required |
| Mechanical failure / breakdown | No | Not covered | This is a warranty issue, not insurance |
| Mower injures a third party | Yes | Liability coverage ($100K–$300K) | Premises liability applies |
| Mower damages neighbor's property | Yes | Liability coverage | E.g., mower crosses boundary and damages garden |
| Mower falls off retaining wall / slope | Depends | May be excluded as "wear and tear" | Insurer may argue operator error |
How to Close the Coverage Gap
Option 1: Schedule the Mower as a Valuable Item (Recommended)
Contact your insurer and request a "Scheduled Personal Property" or "Valuable Articles" endorsement. Provide the purchase receipt and model specifications. The mower will be added to your policy with its full replacement value.
Cost: $30–$80/year for a $2,500–$5,000 mower.
Benefits: Full replacement value, no deductible on scheduled items, coverage for accidental damage (not just named perils).
Option 2: Increase the Contents in the Open Limit
Some insurers allow you to raise the outdoor contents sub-limit without scheduling individual items. This is appropriate if you have multiple outdoor items (mower, grill, patio furniture) that collectively exceed the base limit.
Cost: Varies by insurer; typically $20–$50/year to raise from $1,000 to $5,000.
Limitation: Still subject to deductible and the terms may be "actual cash value" rather than "replacement cost."
Option 3: Manufacturer Extended Warranty or Protection Plan
Brands like Husqvarna offer extended protection plans. Amazon also offers protection plans through Asurion for items sold on their platform. These cover mechanical failures and some accidental damage, supplementing (not replacing) homeowners insurance.
Best for: Mechanical breakdown coverage, which homeowners insurance never covers. Not a substitute for theft and weather damage protection.
Liability Risk: What If the Mower Hurts Someone?
Your homeowners policy includes liability coverage (Coverage E), typically $100,000–$300,000. This responds to third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. If your robot mower injures a neighbor, delivery person, or trespasser, liability coverage applies — but with conditions:
- You must have followed manufacturer safety guidelines. Operating the mower unsupervised while children are present, despite explicit manufacturer warnings, could be argued as negligence.
- Boundary enforcement must be functional. If the mower crosses into a neighbor's property because boundaries were improperly configured or the boundary wire was severed, liability may be contested.
- "Attractive nuisance" doctrine may apply. In some states, a robot mower could be considered an "attractive nuisance" to children — similar to an unfenced pool — potentially increasing your liability exposure.
Commercial Use: Fleet Insurance
Professional landscapers running robot mower fleets need commercial coverage beyond homeowners policies. Specialized policies like "LandPro" cover:
- Multiple units under a single fleet policy
- Workmanship errors (mower damages a client's landscape feature)
- Transit coverage (mowers transported between job sites)
- Broadened liability for mowers operating on client property
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually yes — as "Contents" or "Personal Property." However, because the mower is permanently stationed outdoors, it often falls under the "Contents in the Open" sub-limit, which is typically capped at $500–$1,500. If your mower costs $2,500–$5,000, you likely have a significant coverage gap.
A sub-limit in most homeowners policies that caps coverage for personal property kept outdoors (not inside a fully enclosed structure). This limit is typically $500–$1,500, regardless of the item's actual value. Patio furniture, grills, and robot mowers commonly fall under this restriction.
Request a "Scheduled Personal Property" or "Valuable Items" endorsement from your insurer. This adds the mower as a named item with its full replacement value, overriding the Contents in the Open sub-limit. The additional premium is typically $30–80 per year for a $3,000 mower.
Most policies cover theft, but the payout is limited by the Contents in the Open sub-limit unless the mower is scheduled separately. Additionally, some policies require evidence of forced entry or that reasonable anti-theft measures (PIN lock, GPS tracker) were in use.
Yes, under standard premises liability in your homeowners policy. Your liability coverage (typically $100,000–$300,000) would respond to a third-party injury claim. However, if the mower was operating contrary to manufacturer instructions (e.g., unsupervised with children present despite warnings), the insurer could argue contributory negligence and reduce coverage.