Home insurance 202 - What You Might Think is Insured But Likely Isn't, part 2

More nightmare scenarios - A deluge unleashes a steady stream of water from a skylight, dried up caulking let's shower water damage your ceiling, or the worst of all: Your home catches fire due to a dryer vent fire or improper chimney maintenance. It's comforting to know that your insurance policy has these items covered, right? You just might be very wrong...

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 additional common issues (see part 1) that might not be covered by your insurance policy:

• Skylight Leaks – Insurance may not cover leaks caused by improper installation or lack of upkeep, as skylights often require regular inspection and maintenance.

• Attachments to Mobile Homes – Decks, porches, and other additions to mobile homes may not be covered, depending on the insurance policy.

• Improper Caulking – Leaks or damage caused by improperly applied or maintained caulking around windows, doors, or other areas might not be covered.

• Dryer Vent Fires – Fires caused by lint buildup or poorly maintained dryer vents are typically considered preventable and not covered by insurance.

• Frozen Pipes – Frozen pipes may not be covered if the homeowner fails to take preventive measures, such as properly insulating pipes during the winter months.

• Chimney Damage – Issues like cracks in mortar or missing chimney caps are often not covered unless the chimney is regularly maintained.

• Improper Flashing – Flashing, when installed improperly or left in disrepair, can lead to leaks that may not be covered by insurance.

• Washing Machine Overflow – While sudden washing machine overflow may be covered, ongoing issues due to maintenance neglect are typically excluded.

• Sewer Backup or Sump Pump Overflow – Damage caused by sewer backups or sump pump failures is usually not covered unless you have specific endorsements on your policy.

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.

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.