Home insurance can feel like a maze when trying to figure out what’s covered and what’s not. From unexpected damage to animal mishaps, there are many common questions homeowners ask about their policies. To help clear things up, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about home insurance coverage and claims.
Please note, that individual coverage and coverage options vary by area, risk profile, and company.
Before diving into common claims, there are different components to property insurance policies.
While policies differ, these components form the basis of most home insurance policies. Liability insurance is the foundation of all property insurance policies, including tenant and condo insurance policies. Be sure to review your policy to ensure it meets your needs. If you have a mortgage on the property, it is typically mandatory to have liability and dwelling coverage at very least.
Water damage claims are among the most common reasons for property insurance claims. If your area is prone to flooding, getting water coverage can be very expensive or even completely unavailable. It’s also important to note that there are different types of water damage that can occur.
Standard water coverage will typically cover events like these. Most home insurance companies will include this type of water coverage in your policy.
Overland water is water that flows in from the ground surface and enters your home from heavy rainfall, rapid snow melt, or overflowing water bodies (lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.). Depending on your area and your insurance provider, you may not be covered for overland water damage.
Sewer backups are pretty much exactly what they sound like, a backup from the sewer. These can be caused by clogs or blockages in the pipes, tree roots, heavy rainfall overwhelming the sewer system, or municipal system issues. Sewer backup insurance can also be area and carrier-specific, although the coverage is typically more readily available than overland water.
Depending on the type of water damage, the area you live in, and your insurance provider, you may have coverage limited or no coverage at all. Ask your insurance agent or broker for information on your policy.
An insurance brokerage works with multiple insurance companies with different data and risk appetites. If one company isn’t offering you adequate water coverage, they may have another company that might be a better fit for you.
Mold is generally only covered if it results directly from a covered peril, such as water damage caused by a burst pipe. If mold develops due to neglect, slow leaks, or poor maintenance, it’s typically excluded. Home Guide estimates the average mold remediation cost to be between $15–$30 per square foot.
Dwelling coverage on a home insurance policy typically includes roof repairs or replacement when damage results from a covered event, such as storms, fires, or falling trees. However, issues like wear and tear, aging, or pre-existing damage to the roof are not covered. If your roof is simply old and needs replacement, the cost will not be covered by your insurance company.
Furnaces and air conditioners are included under dwelling coverage. HVAC systems are typically covered if they’re damaged by insured events like fire, lightning, vandalism, or theft. However, damage caused by wear and tear, aging, neglect, or intentional destruction is not covered.
Air conditioning coverage depends on the type of unit and the cause of the damage. For example, removable window AC units are generally protected under contents coverage, while built-in units that are fixtures of the home fall under dwelling coverage.
If an AC unit is damaged by a covered event, you may file a claim for repairs or replacement. Theft is also usually covered, depending on whether the unit is categorized as contents or part of the dwelling.
Since animal related damage is quite broad, we’ve broken this down into a few key areas:
If your pet damages someone else’s property, your home insurance liability coverage may help cover the costs—whether it’s a dog knocking over a neighbor’s statue or a cat scratching a friend’s sofa. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or high-risk pets or limit payout amounts for pet-related incidents.
Damage caused by your pet to your own belongings, like chewed furniture or scratched floors, is typically not covered. Most policies consider this part of routine pet ownership. However, items like hearing aids that are specifically listed on your policy may be covered if damaged by pets, even in cases of "mysterious disappearance."
Home insurance generally does not cover removal costs or property damage caused by pests such as mice, raccoons, squirrels, or birds. These issues are considered part of regular home maintenance and are the homeowner's responsibility.
Large animals like bears that break into a home and cause damage may be covered under your insurance policy. Check with your broker to confirm any restrictions based on animal type or location.
Insect infestations, including termites, bed bugs, or cockroaches, are almost never covered. Insurers expect homeowners to maintain their property to prevent these issues.
Although it’s unsettling to imagine, there are instances where someone intentionally infests a property with insects or pests. If such an act is proven, the perpetrator could face significant fines, lawsuits, and even jail time. However, this raises the question: would home insurance cover damages caused by intentional infestations as an act of vandalism?
The answer is complex and unclear from both legal and insurance perspectives. Proving intentional infestation to an insurance company would likely be very difficult. In most cases, pursuing the responsible party through civil court for damages would be a more practical course of action.
Home insurance does not cover pet accidents or illnesses. However, some policies may reimburse cremation or burial costs if a pet passes away due to a covered event.
Yes, fences and detached structures are usually covered under outbuilding coverage, which is typically a percentage of your home’s total coverage (around 10%). If your fence is damaged by a covered event like a windstorm or vandalism, you can make a claim. However, general aging or rotting isn’t covered.
Home insurance may cover tree removal if the tree falls during a windstorm and damages a structure on your property. However, if the tree falls without causing damage or due to neglect or poor maintenance, removal is typically not covered. Preventative tree removals are also generally excluded from coverage.
Foundation repairs are usually not covered by home insurance unless caused by a covered event, such as an earthquake (provided you have earthquake coverage) or severe water damage from burst pipes. Issues like poor maintenance, settling, or construction defects are typically excluded.
Solar panels are usually covered under the dwelling portion of your home insurance if permanently installed on your roof, protecting them against perils like storms or fires. Be sure to notify your insurer when installing solar panels to confirm they’re included in your coverage. Some insurers may not cover homes with solar panels if you earn money or bill credits from their use. Coverage policies vary, so consult your broker or agent for details specific to your policy.
Liability coverage typically extends to pets, though exotic pets are often excluded. If your dog bites someone or damages their property, your home insurance’s liability coverage can help cover the costs of a lawsuit. However, while insurance can protect the owner financially, it cannot shield the pet from possible legal consequences.
Home insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and knowing what’s covered can save you from surprises. While your policy will protect you against many risks, certain issues like maintenance-related problems, infestations, and wear and tear fall outside its scope.
If you’re unsure about your coverage or want personalized advice, reach out to a Tango partner today. We’re here to help you find the right policy to protect your home and everything in it.
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