Understanding exactly what your home insurance covers.
When it comes to their home insurance, many policyholders do not understand exactly what is covered. To help you out, here are some of the most common home insurance coverage questions answered for you.
Does home insurance cover water damage?
When it comes to water damage, homeowners insurance covers certain types but not others. For instance, if the cause of water damage is sudden and accidental, then it will be covered by your insurance. For instance, if your washing machine suddenly broke down or a pipe suddenly burst, then your insurance would cover the water damage caused by this event.
However, your home insurance will not cover water damage if it is the result of your negligence. For instance, if you failed to maintain your water heater and it deteriorated to the point of breaking down, then you would not have coverage for subsequent water damage. This is because your insurer sees this damage as a result of your negligence rather than an unavoidable surprise. Additionally, your home policy specifically excludes coverage for the water damage caused by water backup and floods. You can secure coverage for these exclusions through policy endorsements and specialty flood policies, respectively.
Does home insurance cover roof leaks?
Your home insurance will cover roof leaks depending on the cause of the leak. If the leak is the result of sudden, accidental events, then you have coverage. For instance, if your roof starts to leak due to falling trees, windstorms, hail, vandalism, or so on, then you will have coverage for repairs.
Roof leaks are not covered when they are the result of gradual deterioration and lack of maintenance. For instance, your home insurance will not offer coverage if a roof leak is caused by the following:
- Age
- Mold, fungus, or wet rot
- Deterioration
- Neglect
- Inadequate maintenance
- Birds, vermin, rodents, or insects
Does home insurance cover tree damage?
If a fallen tree damages your home, then you will have coverage if a sudden and accidental peril was the cause of the tree falling. For instance, if a windstorm knocked over a healthy tree, then your insurance would cover the damage that the tree caused.
However, you will not have coverage for fallen trees if the tree was already damaged or unhealthy prior to the fall. This is because the fallen tree would be a result of your negligence and failure to care for the tree. Additionally, if a flood or earthquake causes a tree to fall, then you will not have coverage because these perils are excluded from standard home insurance policies.
These are the answers to some of the most common home insurance coverage questions. Do you have more questions about your homeowners coverage? If so, then contact the experts at Phocus Insurance in Phoenix, Arizona. We are ready to assist you with all your coverage needs today.
