5 Home Repairs Not Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance

A common misconception with insurance, especially homeowners’ insurance, is that their policy covers all damage from a simple hole to an act of God. Let us look at 5 of the most common home repairs not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance policies.

Damage Caused by Pests

The average homeowner doesn’t realize that damage caused by bugs and other pests is not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance. The list of pets includes damage from termites, carpenter ants, cockroaches, and other creatures that require out-of-pocket costs not included in a standard homeowner plan. Fortunately, some home insurance plans have the option for homeowners to purchase add-ons to cover repairs caused by pet damage.

Some pest control companies offer coverage for those who don’t want to purchase additional coverage through their homeowners’ insurance. However, that can get pricey.

Mold and Mildew

Two common problems homeowners face are mold and mildew. Both can cause significant damage to your home if left untreated. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover mold and mildew, so it is essential to find coverage.

Mold and mildew cause several problems, including structural damage, health problems, and damage to your belongings. Therefore, it’s crucial to take repair steps immediately on the first sign of mold or mildew.

Intentional Damage

On paper, it makes sense for standard homeowner’s insurance to cover pets and the potential damage they can do inside or outside of the home. While some insurance companies offer additional pet insurance policies, pet coverage does not come as standard. When looking to get a pet or purchase a new home, speak to your insurance company about options.

Pets aren’t the only source of intentional damage. Children and other residents may cause accidental damage in the home not covered by insurance. To avoid any surprises down the road, speak to your insurance provider about the possibility of liability coverage.

Floods

Homeowners in high flood risk areas know that standard homeowners’ policies do not cover floods and other acts of God. A significant issue for homeowners who do not live in areas prone to flooding or other natural disasters is that these coverage options are often overlooked.

Disasters outside floods include natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornados. Without proper coverage, and a natural disaster damages or destroys your home, you will likely have to bear the cost yourself.

Gutter Repair

Most homeowners probably don’t think about their gutters until there’s a problem. And unfortunately, standard homeowners’ policies do not cover gutter repair. Gutters are essential for redirecting water away from your home. When they’re not working correctly, it can cause a lot of damage.

Clogged gutters can lead to several problems, including:

-Water damage to the roof and exterior of your home

-Mold and mildew growth

-Pest infestations

But even if your gutter repair causes extensive damage to your home, it’s unlikely that your insurance policy will cover the costs. Therefore, cleaning your gutters regularly, at least once a year, is essential. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a professional gutter cleaning service to do it for you.

Home repairs can be expensive, and it’s important to know what is by your homeowners’ insurance policy.