Here we cover common insurance coverages your property may not have...
You may have sped right through your property insurance policy, assuming that major damage would be covered. That's what insurance is for... right? Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
Your home insurance policy may have some serious limitations that could leave you footing a large bill after an accident or natural disaster. In fact, there are a lot of very common causes of damage that simply aren't covered without additional coverage, some may even surprise you. Often, we encounter homeowners who didn’t realize that the policy ‘discount’ they got on their insurance renewal plays a role in why your coverage may not be quite up to snuff now.
That's why our team of public adjusters is breaking down the common insurance coverages people think they already have. Unsure about what your policy covers? Please give Liberty Adjusters a call. We will help you better understand your policy coverage, and ensure any damage claims go as smoothly as possible.
Flood Damage
Did you know that flood damage isn't typically covered in a home insurance policy? That's right, if you live in an area prone to flooding and your house is damaged as a result, your standard home insurance policy likely won't cover the cost of repairs.
You can purchase additional flood insurance, however, it's important to know that there is usually a 30-day waiting period before the coverage goes into effect, so don't wait until it's too late.
During Hurricane Ian, it's estimated that 1 in 3 people did not have flood insurance.
Wear & Tear
Your home insurance policy is designed to cover sudden and accidental damage, not gradual deterioration that occurs over time. So, if your house is starting to show its age, don't expect your home insurance policy to foot the bill for repairs.
We see many homeowners come in with roof claims denied due to "wear & tear", despite the damage being from a separate incident. This topic is a little long, so we've got another blog for that.
Read More > Roof Claim Denied for "Wear & Tear"... Now What?
Poor Workmanship
Unfortunately, most home insurance policies exclude coverage for faulty workmanship. So, if a contractor does a poor job on your roof and it leaks as a result, your home insurance policy likely won't cover the cost to repair the damage.
This is why it's so important to only work with licensed and well-reviewed contractors.
Mold
In most cases, coverage for mold damage is only included if the mold is the direct result of a covered peril, such as a burst pipe. Even then, there is often a mold damage limit included in the policy.
Since we live in an area with high humidity, you should have additional coverage for mold. Unsure what your policy covers? Give us a call at (813) 922-5129.
Sewer Backups
A sewer backup is one of the most unpleasant things that can happen to a home. Unfortunately, it's also not typically covered in a home insurance policy. If you want coverage for sewer backups, you'll need to purchase additional coverage or an endorsement.
Earthquake / Sinkhole Damage
Earthquake and sinkhole damage is another one of those perils that aren't typically included in a home insurance policy. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes or sinkholes, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage.
Pest Infestations
Termites, carpenter ants, and other pests can do serious damage to your home if left untreated. Most home insurance policies will not cover the cost of repairing damage caused by these pests, however.
You may be able to purchase an endorsement or additional policy to cover pest damage, but it's important to note that most policies have exclusions for any damage that occurred before the policy was purchased.
This is why it's so important to have regular pest control treatments and to be proactive about clearing out any infestations as soon as they are discovered.
Pet Damage
We all love our pets here, but some pets can do a number on your home if they're not properly trained. If your pet damages your home, most home insurance policies will not cover the cost of repairs. Limited policies will provide nominal coverage for pet damage, but they typically have very strict requirements, such as requiring the dog to have passed an obedience class.
If you're worried about your pet damaging your home, prevention is key through proper training and not leaving your pet alone where they can cause damage.
Unsure if Your Damage is Covered? Call Liberty Adjusters First!
Many of these causes of damage seem like they would be covered, but that false sense of belief is by design. The insurance companies make their policies overcomplicated and their claim process overwhelming; likely because they make more money when they pay you less.
When in doubt, always give Liberty Adjusters a call! We're happy to review your policy with you and help you determine if you have coverage for your specific situation. If disaster does strike, we'll make sure you get the most money possible for your settlement! (It’s true you can get up to 574% more working with a licensed loss adjuster than on your own.)
Lean on Liberty! Call today to discuss your property damage claim.