Home insurance 201 - What You Might Think is Insured But Likely Isn't

A nightmare night unfolds - squirrels shorting your wiring, finding water seeping through your ceiling or your old HVAC system fails while you are away, leading to all of your pipes freezing. Thank goodness you have homeowners insurance for this, right? 

Unfortunately, chances are that your homeowner's insurance won't cover these things unless you can tie them back to a sudden problem. Animals infesting your attic, slow leaks and improperly maintained skylight flashing are generally considered homeowner tasks and are therefore not insurable. 

Seriously? That is what this blogger thought when first hearing about it. However, it is true. 

When it comes to homeowners insurance, it's essential to know what is—and isn’t—covered. Many homeowners assume their policy will protect them from a range of issues, but certain problems may not be included, and discovering this after the damage occurs can be frustrating. Here are some common issues that might not be covered by your insurance policy:

1. Slow Leaks – Water damage from slow, long-term leaks is typically considered preventable maintenance. If a leak goes undetected for an extended period, it may not be covered, as insurance often excludes gradual damage.

2. Roof Damage – Insurance might not cover damage from poorly maintained roofs or from wear and tear. Shingles that are damaged due to neglect or aging usually aren't included, and the homeowner is expected to maintain the roof.

3. Animal Infestations – Whether it’s a raccoon in the attic or rodents in the walls, damage caused by animals is often not covered. Pest control and repair of the resulting damage are usually the homeowner's responsibility.

4. Mold Damage – Mold can be a tricky issue. Many policies won’t cover mold damage unless it’s caused by a covered peril, such as a sudden and accidental water leak.

5. Foundation Cracks – Cracks in the foundation that result from settling or lack of proper maintenance are typically excluded. Homeowners insurance generally covers damage from sudden events, not gradual wear.

6. Basement Water Damage – Flooding and water seeping into a basement from external sources are generally excluded unless you have specific flood insurance coverage which covers the low-lying parts of your house.

7. Rotted Materials – Wood rot in siding, trim, or other parts of the house, often resulting from poor maintenance, is usually not covered by standard policies.

8. Clogged Gutters – Blocked gutters leading to water damage are considered a maintenance issue, and insurance will likely not cover the repair.

9. HVAC System Failures – The failure of heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems due to age or lack of proper maintenance is often excluded from coverage.

Thankfully, regular maintenance and upkeep of your home can go a long way in preventing costly repairs and ensuring that your insurance will protect you when unexpected damage occurs. However, who has time for that? TruBlue's Home Maintenance Plan has you covered, inspecting and maintaining everything above with the exception of mold damage (though is frequently caused by slow leaks or rot).

You get your car regularly maintained and expected, correct? What about your home that is typically worth 10x or more than that car (and getting more valuable over time vs. less). It is an easy choice.