Having a strong foundation is essential because it keeps the house dry, stable, and insulated against the natural settlement and shifting of the soil beneath. Many homeowners discover a foundation problem, which is expensive, stressful, and frustrating. They may wonder: will homeowners insurance cover foundation damage?
Homeowners insurance might cover the home's foundation against particular risks, but some foundation damage isn't covered by most policies. For example, natural wear and tear for an older home isn't usually covered.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Repairs to the Foundation?
In most cases, it will, but it depends on your situation. You must determine the cause of the problem to see if your policy will cover the foundation. Sometimes it's obvious, such as damage from an earthquake or tornado. When it isn't, call in a specialist to assess the situation, determine what caused the issue, and provide a report that serves as evidence if you file a claim.
Common causes of foundation issues include earth movement, plumbing leaks, tree root growth, faulty construction, natural disasters, pooling water, and too little or too much moisture in the soil.
When Will the Insurance Company Cover Foundation Repairs?
Most home insurance policies provide dwelling coverage, which protects the home's physical structure and foundation. Common options like HO-5 and HO-3 offer dwelling coverage with open perils, meaning no loss is automatically excluded. In most cases, coverage applies to perils such as explosions, windstorms, water damage from an HVAC overflow, falling objects, vandalism, vehicles driving into the home, and fire. Read your policy to determine which perils are included.
When Homeowners Insurance Won't Cover Foundation Damage
Most home policies specifically exclude floods and earthquakes, which do the most foundation damage. If you live where those disasters are common, you'll need separate flood or earthquake insurance.
Policies also typically won't cover foundation problems from routine wear and tear. Insurers often deny coverage for cracking, shifting, and settling foundations caused by earth movement, tree roots, soil fluctuations, and temperature changes, arguing those losses weren't accidental or sudden. You also probably won't get help for a faulty construction problem, so request a home inspection before you buy a new home.
What You Should Do After Foundation Damage
If the foundation is damaged by a covered peril, call the insurance company as soon as possible. Ask what evidence you'll need, and take videos and photos to document the damage as long as it's safe. The company might send someone to assess the damage, and you may want to hire a foundation specialist to inspect the property and include that report in the claim. You're free to use your own contractor.
Ways to Prevent Foundation Damage
- Request a home inspection first when buying a new house.
- Maintain the soil so it does not stay too wet or too dry.
- Check the grading so water drains away from the home.
- Clean the gutters to keep water from spilling onto the soil around the foundation.
- Mind the trees so roots don't spread to the foundation.
- Address cracks quickly by hiring a professional to assess the situation.
- Put down mulch to maintain moisture levels and temperature in the soil.
Foundation Damage Warning Signs
Watch for cracks in tiles, sheetrock, the chimney, and the home's exterior, especially zig-zagged or horizontal cracks, along with uneven floors. A wet crawl space may indicate a cracked or crumbling foundation. Crumbling concrete, shifting walls, and windows or doors that no longer fit properly are all signs the foundation is sinking or settling. Bugs entering through cracks or gaps can be another indicator.
Why Work with Quality Foundation Repair Austin
It's wise to repair the foundation when you first see cracks or signs of problems, since they're easier to handle when small. Ignoring foundation problems leads to major structural issues, and sagging floors can be dangerous. Quality Foundation Repair Austin works with many types of foundations and offers fast solutions that save you time and money. Please call (737) 260-7340 for your free estimate today, or use the online form.
FAQs About Homeowners Insurance
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Structural Foundation Cracks?
In most situations, a homeowners policy will not cover foundation cracks and settling. Though the foundation has protection under dwelling coverage, it only helps in certain events.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Broken Pipes Under the Foundation?
Check your policy, but most companies cover the removal of the old slab and pouring a new one, though it might not cover the pipe repairs themselves.
Is a House Safe After Foundation Repairs?
If the repairs were done correctly, the house should be safe again. You may need an inspection from a structural engineer to get the green light from the city.