Yes, homeowners insurance can cover structural damage especially if the source is a covered peril. Depending on the insurer and the kind of coverage, covered perils may differ, but some frequent ones are lightning strikes, fire, and windstorms. Generally, a home’s structure is often defined by its walls, roof, and foundation, among other structural components. If a covered peril destroys any of your home’s structural elements, your coverage should start. However, most homeowners insurance won’t assist in covering the cost of repairs if your neglect or lack of upkeep is the reason for the structural damage to your property.
What Is a Home Structural Damage
Home structural damage has a bad effect on the architectural integrity of a house, frequently affecting the home’s structure. This refers to serious issues and damage to the foundation, not a few occasional cracks that detract from the foundation’s look. Technically, structural damage that isn’t repaired will eventually cause bigger, more expensive problems and potentially even the collapse of the house. The foundation of your home can be severely damaged by a variety of factors, such as shifting earth, dampness in the soil, faulty or inadequate initial construction, improper usage of the soil, and even the roots of curious trees that begin to press on the foundation walls. Furthermore, finding the cause of the structural damage and fixing the underlying problem in addition to repairing the damage are not cheap tasks.
Types of Homeowners Insurance That Cover Structural Damage
Three primary types of homeowners insurance can cover structural damage. The following are personal liability, personal property, and dwelling coverage.
Dwelling coverage
The part of a typical homeowners insurance policy known as dwelling coverage assists in paying for the expenses of rebuilding or repairing your house, including the structure, if a covered risk destroys it. Although covered risks differ depending on the kind of coverage, popular ones include smoke, lightning, fire, and windstorms.
Personal property
Personal property helps pay for the replacement of your belongings in the case of a covered loss. The coverage maximum is often up to $100,000. However, it may vary according to your insurance and insurer. Except for HO-1, most homeowners insurance plans cover damage to personal possessions.
Loss of use
When a covered risk renders your primary residence uninhabitable, loss-of-use coverage helps pay for your living expenses. This insurance will cover moving expenses, lodging expenses, and more in the event of a fire. Technically, 10% to 30% of your dwelling coverage limit is used to compute it and is usually included in your regular home insurance policy.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Structural Damage
Structural damage that is deemed sudden and accidental and results from a covered peril is usually covered by a homeowners insurance policy. These dangers might consist of:
- The harm caused by falling items or trees
- Explosions or fire
- Severe weather, such as tornadoes, windstorms, or hailstorms
- Thunderstorm
- Rioting or vandalism
- An automobile or aircraft colliding with the house
Furthermore, if an irresponsible driver strikes your house; their property damage liability coverage should pay for the damages under their auto insurance policy. In addition, you can utilize your house insurance policy to cover the costs if they don’t have insurance or enough coverage to cover the damage. Your deductible will be at your expense.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Structural Damage
Even if something happens that is not your fault, your house insurance may not cover it. There are several situations in which structural damage is not covered by house insurance.
- Typical deterioration
- Insufficient upkeep
- Ignorance
- Earthquakes and other natural disasters such as landslides and sinkholes
- Tree root damage from flooding
- Shoddy construction
- Problems brought on by inadequate drainage or abrupt temperature swings
- Insect or rodent damage
Generally, you could have the option to buy an endorsement or separate policy for earthquake or flood coverage, which has to be in place before the damage occurs, depending on the state in which you live and the insurance company that insures your home. Additionally, some providers provide coverage for sinkholes and landslides. There can be separate deductibles.
How to Prevent Structural Damage
The homeowner is responsible for the upkeep of their property, which includes regular inspections for any possible shifting or cracking. By taking precautions to avoid foundation damage, you may reduce the likelihood that you may experience major issues later on.
Moreover, there are several ways to prevent structural damage to your home, such as:
- You may divert water from your home’s foundation by installing and maintaining gutters and downspouts.
- To help deter rats and pests, keep the grass and plants surrounding your house well-maintained.
- Check the moisture content of the soil and add mulch or water as necessary.
- Refrain from growing trees close to the house since the roots may split the water or sewer line, the foundation, or both.
- Adjust the grade of your yard so that water flows away from rather than toward the foundation.
Furthermore, make an appointment for a professional assessment to identify any early warning indicators, such as foundation cracks, and to discuss any necessary remediation.
How To File a Claim For Structural Damage
You can file a claim if you believe your homeowners insurance would cover structural damage. Depending on the insurer and the type of claim, the procedure may vary significantly, but, you will follow these steps:
Report to the police
To prove that the damage to your home and the source of the foundation damage was caused by theft or vandalism, you should first submit a police complaint. Also, make a note of the police report number and provide it to the claims division.
Capture images or videos of the damage
Take a thorough inventory of any damaged property and make a note of all the damages you are aware of. In addition, when you file the claim, you could be required to provide this paperwork.
Consult your insurer
To start the claim filing procedure, get in touch with your insurance provider. You are to provide information on the structural damage, its exact cause (if known), the date it happened, and any interim repairs you made.
You can get in touch with a network of contractors that your insurance could use. However, you can get recommendations from loved ones and friends or get in touch with the business of your choice. To file the claim, ensure your house is secure, and finish the repairs, the contractor might collaborate with your insurance provider.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners insurance can cover structural damage caused by covered perils like fire, vandalism, falling objects, or natural disasters. In addition, damage from normal wear and tear, insufficient maintenance, or ground settling is not covered. Furthermore, assessing the cause and documenting it is essential before filing a claim.
