What's Not Covered? Common Home Insurance Exclusions You Should Know

Purchasing a homeowners insurance policy can offer peace of mind knowing that your home and belongings are protected. But do you know what's covered and what's not? Unfortunately, many people are only aware of several standard exclusions in homeowners insurance once it's too late. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most common exclusions and help you avoid surprises in the event of an unexpected loss.

Floods

One of the most significant exclusions in most homeowners insurance policies is floods. Standard insurance policies are often limited to covering water damage caused by burst pipes or storm-related damage. But anything related to groundwater and rising surface water is usually not covered. You need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to get coverage for flood-related damages.

Earthquakes

Another common exclusion in most home insurance policies is damage caused by earthquakes. Considering the devastating impact of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, it is essential to note that your standard policy will only cover it if you specifically have earthquake coverage. Earthquakes are unique disasters with several causes, such as tectonic plate shifting, volcanic activity, and deep underground water movement, so it's essential to understand how you can get covered.

Mold and Mildew

Most insurance policies define mold and mildew as avoidable and not covered. So unless you can prove that your mold and mildew were caused by an unexpected and unintentional event, like a burst pipe, don't assume it will be covered. Keep your home dry and use proper ventilation systems to prevent mold growth.

Neglect and Wear and Tear

Your insurance policy is meant to guard against sudden and accidental damage, but if it's determined that your home's damage was due to neglect or normal wear and tear, it won't be covered. Neglected damages, such as leaks that have caused rot, rodent infestation, or termite damage, usually signify poor maintenance and will likely not be covered by your insurance.

Acts of God

Lastly, an "Act of God" refers to an event beyond human control, such as a hurricanes or tornadoes. These kinds of disasters are seen as unpredictable and unavoidable and therefore are covered by most insurance policies. That being said, not all natural disasters are covered by home insurance. Check your policy to see which events are specifically outlined.

As a homeowner, knowing what your insurance covers and what it doesn't is essential. Be sure to find out if you have sufficient coverage to protect your home and belongings. Knowing what isn't covered can help you decide on the additional coverage you may need. Knowing what your homeowner's insurance policy excludes can help you avoid headaches and unexpected costs when something goes wrong. By reading this blog post, you should be better equipped to make important decisions about your homeowner's insurance coverage.