Alyssa Lane
Whether your homeowners' insurance covers house levelling depends on the cause of the damage and the scope of your home insurance coverage. Basic home insurance covers many kinds of damage, but certain kinds, such as natural disasters, often require separate coverage. Damage resulting from accidents comprises much of what homeowners insurance covers. Scenarios that fall under accident-related damage include severe storms, fires, gas leak explosions, and incidents like a vehicle crashing into your home. Damage from earthquakes and floods, however, does not fall under basic foundation insurance coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Depends on the cause of the damage and the scope of the home insurance coverage |
| Covered causes | Natural disasters (e.g. tornadoes, windstorms, hail damage, fires), vandalism, plumbing leaks, burst pipes |
| Non-covered causes | Negligence, natural settling, earthquakes, floods, tree roots, faulty construction, wear and tear |
| Preventative measures | Gutters, downspouts, and perimeter drains to direct water away from the home |
| First steps | Take photo and video records of the damage, contact your agent, get a contractor to assess the damage |
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What You'll Learn
Flood insurance
The cost of flood insurance depends on various factors, such as the type of zone your house is in, the elevation of the property, and the amount of coverage. Homes and businesses in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders are required to have flood insurance. To determine the flood risk for a potential property, it is recommended to look at the flood map at FEMA's online Flood Map Service Center. Nearly one-third of NFIP flood insurance claims occur outside of high-risk flood areas, so it is important to consider the possibility of flooding regardless of your location.
To purchase flood insurance, you can share a quote with a local agent or contact your insurance company or agent. There is typically a 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect, so it is important to plan ahead. In the event of a flood, you can file a claim by contacting your insurance company, documenting the damage, and completing a Proof of Loss document. This document is a sworn statement concerning your claim, and it is necessary for the insurance company to process your claim payment.
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Natural disasters
Homeowners' insurance policies typically cover the most common types of damage to your home, like theft and fire, but natural disasters are usually not covered. However, this depends on the type of natural disaster and the policy you have.
The most common homeowners' insurance policy is called an HO-3, which includes protection from fires, hail, volcanic eruptions, and some damage from tornadoes and hurricanes. Standard policies cover wind damage, so damage from tornadoes is typically covered. Water damage caused when rain comes through a wind-damaged roof would also be covered. However, flooding is not covered under standard homeowners' insurance, and separate flood insurance must be purchased.
Most policies cover damage from high winds, hail, flying debris, and fallen trees. If a tree is struck by lightning and falls on your home, it's covered. Damage from lightning strikes is covered by most standard homeowners' insurance policies, including damage to wiring, appliances, and electronics. Fire damage is also typically covered, including wildfires, and fires started by lightning. However, in wildfire-prone areas, wildfire may be excluded as a peril.
If you live in an area prone to sinkholes or landslides, check your homeowners' policy to understand your specific coverage options, as additional protection for these damages is usually available under a separate insurance policy or policy addendum. Homeowners can purchase two different kinds of specialty insurance coverage for sinkhole damage: catastrophic ground collapse coverage and sinkhole loss coverage.
In some areas, homeowners may need to add windstorm insurance. Damage to your home or personal property is usually covered if caused by the weight of ice or snow. Damage from burst pipes due to extreme cold is generally covered, provided the heat was on, but the pipe repair may not be.
Homeowners insurance does not cover damage from earthquakes or nuclear events.
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Accidents and unforeseen events
Damage resulting from accidents comprises a significant portion of what homeowners insurance covers. Scenarios that fall under accident-related damage include severe storms, fires, gas leak explosions, and incidents like a vehicle crashing into your home. Damage from wildfires and heavy storms is usually covered, whereas damage from earthquakes and floods does not fall under basic foundation insurance coverage. You can, however, purchase additional insurance for these hazards.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover repairs if the foundation is affected by tornadoes, windstorms, and hail damage. These policies may also cover erosion, where water runoff erodes the soil supporting your home's foundation. During severe storms, if trees or other objects fall onto your house, your insurance policy is likely to cover the repairs.
Vandalism is another situation where your insurance company might step in. If someone deliberately damages your home's foundation, your policy could cover the repair costs. It is important to call the police and obtain a copy of the police report in such cases.
Whether or not your homeowners insurance company covers house levelling depends on what caused the damage in the first place. Most companies will cover damage due to sudden, natural events like tornadoes and fires that wreck your home. On the other hand, companies generally deny coverage when the damage is due to higher-risk events such as earthquakes and floods or situations you could have planned for, like pressure from tree roots or poor drainage.
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Preventing foundation damage
Firstly, it's important to understand the basics of your home's foundation. Most residential foundations are either concrete slabs or raised foundations. Concrete slabs are a single layer of concrete poured directly onto the ground, while raised foundations have short foundation walls that create a small space between the ground and the first floor.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent foundation damage is to manage external water and control moisture levels. Excess moisture can cause soil to expand, putting pressure on foundation walls, and when the soil dries, it contracts, leading to settling. Here are some ways to manage water and moisture:
- Maintain proper drainage around your home by cleaning and maintaining gutters, extending downspouts, grading the soil, and installing a French drain if necessary.
- Use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces to maintain humidity levels between 30-50%.
- Install a sump pump if you live in an area with a high water table or frequent heavy rains.
- Repair plumbing leaks promptly, as even small leaks can lead to significant moisture issues over time.
- Avoid overwatering near the foundation and direct water away from the house when watering your lawn or garden.
- Maintain a plant-free zone of 2-3 feet around your foundation to prevent moisture buildup.
- Create a mulch area around your foundation to act as a sponge and prevent water from seeping into the foundation.
In addition to water management, there are other things you can do to prevent foundation damage. For example, be mindful of the landscaping around your home, as improper landscaping can lead to issues. Ensure your yard gently slopes away from your home on all sides, with a drop of about 6 inches over a distance of 10 feet. This helps move water away from the foundation. Also, plant trees away from your foundation, as tree roots can create voids, absorb water from the soil, and cause the soil to shrink, settle, and move, putting stress on your foundation.
By taking these preventive measures, you can help keep your foundation stable and avoid costly repairs in the future.
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Claims and repairs
Whether your homeowner's insurance covers house levelling depends on the cause of the damage and the scope of your home insurance coverage. Basic home insurance covers many kinds of damage, but certain kinds, such as natural disasters, often require separate coverage. Damage resulting from accidents comprises much of what homeowners insurance covers. Scenarios that fall under accident-related damage include severe storms, fires, gas leak explosions, and incidents like a vehicle crashing into your home. Damage from wildfires and heavy storms is usually covered, but damage from earthquakes and floods does not fall under basic foundation insurance coverage. You can purchase additional insurance for these hazards.
If you believe the damage sustained by your foundation is covered under your policy, you should initiate the claims process as soon as possible. Take photo and video records of the damage, and contact your agent to answer any questions. They can arrange for a claims adjuster to be sent to your home so that the damage can be evaluated in person. After these evaluations, hire a contractor that meets your requirements and those of your insurance company.
Before spending any money, be sure that the damage was not caused by something you are covered for. Some insurance companies offer policyholders access to a network of qualified contractors. Working with these prescreened contractors ensures that your claim and repairs are handled quickly. These contractors are usually in direct contact with your insurance company, meaning the entire process moves faster.
Most standard homeowners policies begin at around $250,000 of dwelling coverage, but your coverage limit may be higher. It's important to review your policy details and consult with your insurance company to understand the extent of your coverage based on specific damages and circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the cause of the damage and the scope of your home insurance coverage. Basic home insurance covers damage caused by accidents, such as severe storms, fires, gas leak explosions, and vandalism. However, damage caused by natural disasters like earthquakes and floods usually requires separate coverage.
Take photos and videos of the damage, and contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. They will arrange for a claims adjuster to evaluate the damage and determine the cause. You may also need to hire a contractor that meets your requirements and those of your insurance company.
Damage caused by negligence or a lack of maintenance is generally not covered by homeowners insurance. This includes issues arising from poor drainage, old age, natural settling, tree roots, and faulty construction.
To prevent foundation damage, it is important to conduct regular inspections and timely repairs. Additionally, adding gutters and downspouts can help direct water away from the home, minimizing the risk of water damage.
