Paul Sanchez
Whether homeowners' insurance covers concrete depends on a number of factors. For instance, standard insurance policies do not cover damage caused by shifting soil or structural problems. However, if the damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a tornado, explosion, or fire, your homeowner’s policy may reimburse you for repairs. Additionally, if you live in an area prone to earthquakes, you may be able to add earthquake coverage to your policy, which could cover concrete lifting as a repair measure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Homeowners insurance covers concrete lifting only in certain scenarios. Driveways are listed under "other structures" and are usually covered if damaged by a "covered peril", such as a tree falling or a tornado. |
| Exclusions | Standard policies do not cover damage from natural disasters or perils, such as sagging, cracking, or permanent impressions. Foundation damage caused by settling, shifting, or earth movement is generally excluded. |
| Additional Coverage | Most policies offer supplemental coverage for damage caused by earthquakes, flooding, and sewer backups. |
| Claims Process | Contact your insurance company to understand the details of your policy and take you through the claims process if you are eligible. |
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Concrete lifting
- Holes are drilled in strategic locations throughout the affected concrete slabs.
- A compound (stone, foam, or mud) is pumped through the holes and underneath the slab, filling any voids and creating enough backpressure to lift the slab.
- Once the slab is in the proper position, the drill holes are patched and sealed.
Types of Concrete Lifting
There are several types of concrete lifting, including:
- Stone slurry grout concrete lifting: This method uses a mixture of pulverized limestone and water to fill empty spaces beneath a slab and slowly raise it.
- Foam injection concrete lifting: This method uses expanding polyurethane foam injected under the slab, which expands and lifts the settled slab.
- Mudjacking: This method pumps a mixture of soil, sand, and water (and sometimes Portland cement) at high pressure under the concrete slab to lift it up.
Cost of Concrete Lifting
The cost of concrete lifting can vary depending on the complexity of the problem, the location, and the type of concrete lifting used. Foam concrete levelling, for example, tends to be more expensive due to higher material costs. It is recommended to get a free onsite estimate from a professional to determine the cost of concrete lifting for a specific project.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Concrete Lifting
Homeowners insurance may cover concrete lifting in certain scenarios, but it depends on the specific policy and the cause of the damage. Standard insurance policies typically do not cover shifting soil or structural problems, as they assume that the home's foundation and concrete structures are stable and solid. However, if the concrete damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a storm or a tree falling, it may be covered. Additionally, if earthquake coverage is included in the policy, concrete lifting may be covered as a repair measure for "movements of the earth." It is important to carefully review the specifics of one's insurance policy to understand what is and is not covered.
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Driveway damage
Driveways are typically listed under "'other structures'" in a home insurance policy. This means that damage to your driveway may be covered by your homeowner's insurance, but it depends on how the damage occurred.
Home insurance policies usually cover damage to driveways caused by "covered perils". Covered perils include situations that lead to damage or destruction of property, such as lightning, fire, wind, hail, or tornadoes. For example, if a tree falls on your driveway and cracks it, your insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing or replacing the driveway. Similarly, if a tornado touches down and damages your driveway, your insurance policy may cover the damage. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, you may have added earthquake coverage to your policy, which would cover damage to your driveway caused by "movements of the earth".
However, it's important to note that not all types of driveway damage will be covered by your homeowner's insurance. Standard policies typically do not cover damage caused by certain natural disasters and perils. For example, damage caused by leaking chemicals or the weight of heavy objects, such as dumpsters or cars, is often excluded. Damage caused by settling, shifting, or earth movement is also generally not covered by insurance policies, as these issues are considered avoidable through proper home maintenance. Additionally, if your driveway starts to sink due to settling or improper installation, it will likely not be covered by your insurance, as it would be deemed a pre-existing condition.
To understand what your policy covers regarding driveway damage, carefully review the specifics of your policy concerning driveway coverage. Speak to your insurance agent to go over what is and is not covered so that you fully understand the extent of your coverage.
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Foundation damage
Whether your homeowner's insurance covers concrete foundation repairs depends on several factors. Firstly, it is important to understand what caused the damage. Standard policies typically cover foundation repairs if they are the result of a covered peril, such as natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, windstorms, hail), fire, or vandalism. For instance, if a tree falls on your home during a storm and cracks the foundation, your insurance policy may cover the repairs. Additionally, some policies cover damage caused by "movements of the earth", like soil expansion and contraction, or sewer backups.
However, if the damage is due to neglected routine maintenance, old age, or improper installation, it is unlikely to be covered. Insurance companies expect homeowners to maintain their properties through regular inspections and timely repairs. Thus, issues like poor drainage, inadequate construction, or installation failure are generally considered pre-existing conditions and are not covered.
It is also important to review your specific insurance policy to understand what perils are named and what types of damage are covered. Some policies may offer supplemental coverage for specific perils, such as damage caused by a burst water pipe or water seepage. Additionally, certain secondary structures on your property, such as driveways, may be covered under "other structures" coverage in your policy.
If you are unsure about your policy's coverage, it is recommended to contact your insurance company or agent, who can help clarify the details and guide you through the claims process if you are eligible.
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Earthquake damage
Standard homeowners insurance does not typically cover earthquake damage. Earthquake damage is a common exclusion in homeowners, renters, and condo insurance policies. However, you can purchase earthquake insurance to cover damage to your home and belongings. This insurance can also pay for living expenses while your home is being repaired. Earthquake insurance is especially important if you live in an area at risk of earthquakes or tremors, such as along the West Coast or near a fault line.
If you are considering purchasing earthquake insurance, it is important to understand what it covers and what it does not. Earthquake insurance usually does not cover anything that your homeowners policy already covers. For example, your homeowners policy typically covers fire damage, even if an earthquake causes the fire, so your earthquake policy would not cover fire damage. Earthquake insurance also does not typically cover damage to your land, such as sinkholes, or to your vehicles. Additionally, earthquake insurance only covers direct damage from the earthquake, not additional perils associated with earthquakes such as floods, sinkholes, and fires.
There are several options for purchasing earthquake insurance. Your current homeowners insurance company may offer earthquake coverage for an additional premium. You can also purchase a standalone earthquake policy or an earthquake endorsement, which is an add-on to your existing policy. If your insurer does not offer earthquake coverage, they may be able to refer you to a company that does. In California, the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) provides most earthquake insurance and offers policies for homeowners, mobile home owners, condo unit owners, and renters.
If you are unsure whether your homeowners insurance covers earthquake damage, the first step is to contact your insurance company. They can help you understand the details of your policy and whether earthquake damage is covered. It is also important to carefully read your policy and understand any exclusions or limitations before purchasing it.
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Storm damage
Storms can cause a lot of damage to your home, and many different types of storm damage are covered by most homeowners' insurance policies. However, it's important to note that not all policies are created equal, and coverage can depend on several factors.
Firstly, it's essential to understand what is considered a "covered event" under your policy. Standard homeowners insurance usually covers a range of storm-related damages, such as high winds, hail, and fallen trees. Wind damage caused by storms is one of the most common types of claims submitted to insurance companies and is typically covered by most standard policies, regardless of the type of windstorm. This includes damage caused by thunderstorms, hailstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, microbursts, Nor'easters, derechos, and other types of storms. However, some policies may specifically exclude wind damage, particularly in regions prone to strong windstorms like hurricanes and tornadoes. If your policy does not include wind damage coverage, you may be able to add a wind damage rider.
In addition to wind damage, other types of storm damage that may be covered include damage caused by projectile objects, hail, lightning, and fallen trees. If a tree falls during a covered event, such as a windstorm or hailstorm, and causes damage to your home or property, your policy will typically cover the removal up to a certain limit.
It's worth noting that flooding is typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance, even if it results from severe rain or extreme weather events. However, if rain enters your house due to a covered peril, such as a storm breaking a window, your policy's loss of use coverage may pay for temporary living expenses while your home is being repaired. Additionally, if you live in a flood-prone area, you should consider purchasing separate flood insurance to ensure adequate coverage.
When dealing with storm damage, it's important to document the damage as soon as it's safe to do so. Take photos and videos of the structural damage and any affected belongings. Save receipts for any temporary repairs, such as tarping a damaged roof or boarding up broken windows, as well as accommodation receipts if you need to stay in a hotel or rent temporary housing. Maintaining good records and staying involved in the claims process can help ensure a fair and smooth assessment.
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Frequently asked questions
Homeowners insurance covers concrete lifting only in certain scenarios. If you live in an area commonly affected by earthquakes, your policy may cover concrete lifting as a repair measure if "movements of the earth" and its related damage is covered under your policy. Additionally, if a storm damages your home's concrete, your insurance policy may cover the damage.
Homeowners insurance may pay to repair or replace your driveway if damaged by a covered peril, up to your policy's limits. Covered perils may include a tree falling on your driveway or a tornado touching down and damaging it.
Cracks, settlement, and other types of damage to your concrete foundation may not be covered by your homeowners insurance. The most likely causes of foundation damage, such as soil expansion and contraction or poor construction, are typically excluded from most insurance policies. However, if your foundation damage is the result of a covered risk—such as a tornado, explosion, or fire—your homeowner’s policy may reimburse you for the repairs up to your coverage limits.
The first step you should take after discovering concrete damage is to contact your insurance company. Your agent will help you understand the details of your policy and determine whether you are eligible for the claims process.
