Haris Ashley
Homeowner's insurance is an important consideration for anyone looking to protect their property and its contents. While it covers a broad range of possible damages, it does not cover all types of damage. For example, damage caused by pests such as termites, rodents, and other vermin is not typically covered as it is considered a maintenance issue. Similarly, damage caused by pets is usually excluded from standard policies. On the other hand, water damage is covered, but it depends on the source of the water and the type of damage. Understanding what is considered biological damage in homeowners insurance is crucial for homeowners to ensure they have adequate protection in case of unforeseen events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of damage covered | Fire, theft, lightning, wind, tornado, flooding caused by interior problems, personal belongings, liability protection, vandalism, certain natural disasters |
| Types of damage not covered | Floods, earthquakes, damage from neglect, damage from pests and insects, damage from pets, sewer backups |
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What You'll Learn
Pest infestations
Termites, for instance, cause widespread destruction once they settle into a wooden structure, making your home vulnerable to collapse. They consume wood instead of simply burrowing through it, so the affected wood grows weaker over time. However, termite damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance because it is considered preventable with proper maintenance.
Similarly, rodent infestations are also generally not covered by homeowners insurance. If rodents chew through your insulation or wires, your insurance company will likely deny your claim, arguing that the damage could have been prevented with routine maintenance. However, if a rodent chews a wire, ultimately resulting in an electrical fire, your insurance policy might cover the damage caused by the fire.
Bed bugs are another common pest infestation that is not typically covered by homeowners insurance. While your policy may cover the cost of replacing your mattress and bedding, it is unlikely to cover the cost of extermination services.
In some cases, homeowners insurance may cover damage to personal property caused by pests, depending on the specific policy and the cause of the infestation. However, pest-related health risks are typically not covered by homeowners insurance, and you will be responsible for any medical care required if a pest infestation makes you or your family ill.
To protect yourself from pest infestations, it is important to maintain your property and take preventative measures such as sealing cracks or holes in your foundation and walls and storing food in airtight containers. Regular inspections by a pest control professional can also help identify and address infestations early before they cause significant damage.
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Water damage
Most homeowner and renter policies cover sudden and accidental water damage that occurs internally, such as a burst pipe, toilet overflow, broken washer hose, or overflowing appliance. Roof leaks are also generally covered by standard insurance policies. If mould develops on a damaged item, it is usually covered. However, policies usually won't cover damage from gradual leaks or seepage, and that includes damage from mould.
If the water damage is caused by external flooding or a neglected repair, it is typically not covered by standard insurance policies. Flood insurance can be purchased separately or added to your policy for additional protection.
Home insurance won't cover the cost of repairing or replacing the source of the water damage, as this is not what home insurance is intended for. A home warranty may cover the cost of repairing or replacing an appliance. Your water damage insurance claim may be denied if you have failed to perform proper maintenance.
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Flooding
Homeowners' insurance typically covers a broad range of possible damages to the physical structure of a home and other structures on the property, such as a garage, fence, driveway, or shed. However, flooding is generally not covered in basic policies. Flood damage is usually excluded from traditional homeowners insurance policies and may require a separate flood insurance policy.
If the flooding is caused by an interior problem, such as a leaking pipe or an overflowing toilet, it is generally covered by homeowners insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden, accidental water damage that originates from inside the home. For example, if your dishwasher malfunctions and overflows, your home insurance may cover the water damage. However, it typically won't cover the cost of repairing or replacing the dishwasher, as home insurance isn't intended to cover wear and tear.
On the other hand, flooding due to external conditions is typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. This includes flooding caused by natural sources, such as rising rivers or flash floods, and man-made sources, such as burst dams or sewer backups. If you live in a region prone to flooding, it is advisable to purchase separate flood insurance. This type of insurance can usually be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurance company.
It is important to note that the coverage specifics can vary depending on the insurance policy. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what is and isn't covered in the event of flooding.
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Sewer backups
Sewer backup insurance is an optional add-on to homeowners' insurance policies, which covers damage caused by standing sewage in your home. It is not included in standard homeowners' insurance policies.
Sewer backup insurance typically covers damage to the sewer line, the removal of standing sewage, and the repair of damage caused by the backup. It does not cover flooding caused by rising waters, but may cover flooding caused by a broken sewer line or a failing sump pump.
The cost of sewer backup insurance varies depending on factors such as local weather and chosen coverage limits. It usually costs between $50 to $250 extra per year, with an average annual rate of $1,237 for a policy with $20,000 in added sewer backup coverage. Coverage limits for sewer backup insurance typically range from $5,000 to $25,000.
When filing a sewer backup claim, policyholders are often subject to a separate deductible, which can vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy. It is important to carefully review the fine print of your insurance policy to understand what is and isn't covered in the event of a sewer backup.
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Animal damage
However, there are some exceptions for sudden and accidental incidents involving wildlife. For example, if a deer runs through your yard and breaks your fence, or a large bird flies into a window and breaks it, these may be covered under your dwelling or other structures coverage. Similarly, if a tree is damaged by carpenter ants and falls on your home, your dwelling coverage may help with repairs.
Damage caused by pets residing on the property is also typically not covered by homeowners insurance. However, some policies may cover injuries caused by pets to other individuals. Dog bites, for instance, may be covered under the personal liability coverage of your homeowners insurance, up to the liability limits of the policy.
It is important to carefully review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what is and isn't covered regarding animal damage, as the potential risks vary depending on your location.
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Frequently asked questions
Biological damage in homeowners insurance refers to damage caused by insects, rodents, and other pests, such as termites, bedbugs, squirrels, mice, and rats. This type of damage is typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies as it is considered a maintenance issue that could be prevented with regular pest control treatments.
Damage caused by termites, bedbugs, squirrels, mice, and rats is generally not covered by homeowners insurance. This includes structural damage to support beams, wood features, wiring, insulation, and personal belongings.
Yes, while biological damage due to infestations is typically excluded, some sudden and accidental perils may be covered. For example, if a deer runs through your yard and breaks your fence, it may be covered under "other structures" coverage. Similarly, if a large bird flies into your window and cracks it, this may be covered under "dwelling coverage".
To protect yourself financially, consider purchasing additional coverage or an endorsement to your existing policy. You can also practice regular pest control treatments and maintenance to prevent infestations and minimize the potential for biological damage.
