When Lawns Collide With Fence

At United Warranty Company, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with peace of mind through comprehensive warranty coverage for their fences. But not every situation can be covered, especially when external factors—like accidents or negligence—come into play. Today, we share the story of a beautiful new aluminum fence, a classic example of why warranties have exclusions.

A Dream Backyard Comes to Life

A family recently brought their dream backyard to life with the installation of a sleek, modern aluminum fence, expertly crafted by US Fence Pro. The fence’s clean lines and durable, rust-resistant construction added elegance and security to their property.

To protect their investment, the family purchased an extended Premium Warranty Plan through United Warranty Company. This plan offered peace of mind against a range of potential issues, such as structural defects, corrosion, and damage from environmental factors. What they didn’t foresee was how human error—outside their control—would turn their dream into a nightmare.

Enter GreenLeaf Lawn Services

The homeowners, meticulous about their property, hired a professional lawn care company, GreenLeaf Lawn Services, to maintain their yard. Known for their efficiency and competitive pricing, GreenLeaf had been servicing the property for over a year without incident. But this time, the stakes were higher: the pristine new aluminum fence was now part of the landscape.

On a sunny afternoon, a GreenLeaf crew arrived for their routine maintenance visit. Armed with mowers, weed whackers, and a sense of urgency, the team began their work. What happened next unfolded like a slow-motion disaster.

But the damage didn’t stop there. As the crew rushed to finish their work, a riding lawn mower collided with the gate, bending one of the fence’s horizontal rails. The once perfectly aligned panels now had a noticeable sag, and the gate no longer closed smoothly.

The Incident

While trimming the grass near the fence line, one of GreenLeaf’s crew members accidentally maneuvered a powerful weed whacker too close to the aluminum posts. The vibrating string caused scratches and scuffs to the smooth metal surface, leaving unsightly marks that were impossible to buff out.

But the damage didn’t stop there. As the crew rushed to finish their work, a riding lawn mower collided with the gate, bending one of the fence’s horizontal rails. The once perfectly aligned panels now had a noticeable sag, and the gate no longer closed smoothly.

Unaware of the extent of the damage, the GreenLeaf team finished their job and left the property. When the homeowners returned home later that evening, they were horrified to find their brand-new fence already marred by carelessness.

A Call for Help

Understandably upset, the family contacted United Warranty Company the next morning to file a claim. After all, their Premium Warranty Plan promised up to five years of protection for their aluminum fence. They detailed the damage and shared their frustration, hoping for a quick resolution.

As part of our claims process, we requested photos of the damage and a brief summary of the events leading to the incident. Upon reviewing the materials, it became clear that the damage fell outside the scope of the warranty coverage.

The Reality of Exclusions

While United Warranty Company offers robust protection against many potential issues, our plans explicitly exclude coverage for accidental damage and negligence caused by third parties. In this case, the damage resulted from the actions of GreenLeaf Lawn Services, not from defects in materials, workmanship, or covered environmental factors.

The family was understandably disappointed when we explained this to them. We empathized with their situation and acknowledged the frustration of seeing their beautiful new fence compromised so soon. However, we also reminded them of a critical clause in their warranty agreement:

"United Warranty Company is not liable for damages caused by accidental actions or negligence of third parties, including but not limited to contractors, service providers, or other external entities."

The Bigger Picture

While warranties provide valuable protection, they are not a substitute for accountability from other parties. In this case, the responsibility for the damage rested squarely with GreenLeaf Lawn Services. We advised the homeowners to contact the company directly to report the incident and request compensation for the repair costs.

To help them navigate this process, we provided guidance on documenting the damage and communicating with GreenLeaf. Armed with detailed photos, timestamps, and a clear explanation of events, they approached GreenLeaf’s management team.

Lessons Learned

This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of understanding the terms and limitations of warranty coverage. While warranties offer significant protection, they cannot cover every scenario—especially those involving external negligence. Here are some key takeaways:

Be Proactive After Installation

• New fences, particularly aluminum ones with delicate finishes, require careful handling in the days and weeks following installation. Homeowners should inform all contractors, landscapers, and service providers to exercise caution near the fence to avoid unintentional damage.

Know Your Warranty

• Familiarizing yourself with your warranty’s terms and exclusions can save time and frustration in the event of an issue. Understanding what is and isn’t covered ensures realistic expectations.

Choose Reliable Partners

• Whether hiring a fence installer or a lawn care service, work with companies known for their professionalism and attention to detail. While accidents can happen, reputable companies are more likely to take responsibility for their actions.

A Happy Ending

Although it took some persistence, the family was eventually able to resolve the issue. GreenLeaf Lawn Services acknowledged their mistake and agreed to cover the cost of repairing the fence. US Fence Pro’s team stepped in to perform the repairs, restoring the aluminum fence to its original sleek condition.

The homeowners learned an important lesson about communication and vigilance, and their backyard was once again a source of pride and relaxation.

Closing Thoughts

At United Warranty Company, we are committed to supporting our customers and ensuring they receive the protection they deserve. While we couldn’t cover the family’s claim in this instance, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding warranty terms and maintaining open communication with service providers.

Your fence is an investment in your home, and protecting it requires a partnership between the warranty provider, the installation company, and you, the homeowner. Together, we can ensure your fence stands tall for years to come—no matter what challenges come its way.