What Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover - Penny Pinchin' Mom (2024)

Most homeowners tend to think that their homeowner’s insurance will pay for any losses that occur. That’s not always true. There are many things your homeowner’s policy may not cover. The truth is, there are

What Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover - Penny Pinchin' Mom (1)

If you own a home with a mortgage or lien, then you are required to have insurance. And, even if you don’t owe a dime on your house, it is still crucial that you carry full coverage insurance. But, have you taken thetime to read your policy?

You might think your policy covers anything that may happen on your property. But, that is not necessarily true. There are many events that your policy often does not cover, which can leave you with a financial headache.

WHAT HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE DOESN’T COVER

Flooding

Your basic homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover flooding. If your house is in a floodplain, your lender may require that you purchase flood insurance. However many people who do not live in a required area, do not have this additional coverage.

You might do some research to see if this is coverage you need. Visit the National Flood Insurance program to learn more about adding this to your insurance line up.

Earthquakes

Many people probably feel they do not need to worry about earthquakes. However, we have seen more instances of this in “unusual” parts of the country. I’ve even felt earthquakes right here in Missouri!!

Most policies do not cover damage as a result of an earthquake. If you need this coverage, it will require a separate policy or rider. It is usually only an issue in areas which face higher risk, but you can ask your agent about this and if you should purchase it or not.

Animal Bites

Animal bites may or may not be covered. Many insurance policies exclude coverage on more aggressive breeds. Call your agent to find out your coverage and if you aren’t, what you need to do.

Sewer Backups

Having lived through a sewer backup myself, it can be expensive. Fortunately for me, my policy covered everything. If did not have coverage, we would have been out more than $10,000 for clean up!

If a sewer backs up into your home, your insurance plan may not cover the damage. Ask your agent about adding in additional coverage.

Sinkholes

While they can happen anywhere, residents of Missouri, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky or Tennessee or more likely to suffer from sinkholes. If you live in Florida or Tennessee, your insurance may cover catastrophic ground cover collapse (also known as sinkholes).

Unfortunately, finding this coverage outside of Tennessee and Florida can be difficult. As your local agent about where to find coverage.

Termites

Unfortunately, this is rarely covered. Those little bugs can also do a LOT of damage! The only way you can cover these costs is out of your own pocket.

Simultaneous Events

If you happen to suffer severe wind damage followed by flooding, you may not be covered. The reason? Floods are not covered under your policy. It is what the insurance world calls “anti-concurrent causation.” This is when two events happen at the same time. If one is not covered, then both are usually not covered.

Burst Pipes

If a pipe bursts, you will have a mess. Your homeowner’s policy may often cover the cleanup and damage, but they won’t cover the cost of repairing the pipe itself. But, even then, you may not be covered.

If the damage is due to homeowner negligence, such as not leaving the heat on when away on a winter vacation or forgetting to drain a pipe, then it may not be covered. Make sure you take the necessary steps when you are going to be away (turn off the water on vacation and leave a small stream running while away during cold vacation months).

Read more: What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

Mold

Mold is horrible and not only is it ugly, but it can also actually make you sick. Check your policy to know for sure. If you ever have water in your home for any reason, get it cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.

Identity Theft

Identity theft coverage is becoming increasingly necessary and is now often included with a homeowner’s policy. However, it may not be the case for everyone.

Some companies will cover the costs to get your credit restored while many will not. Make sure you take the necessary steps to make sure you and your family are safe when shopping and surfing the net.

Trampolines

Before you run out and buy that trampoline for the backyard, check with your insurance company. Injuries sustained on this piece of equipment may not be covered. In fact, some companies will even cancel your policy if you have one on your property.

Acts of Terror and War

If your home happens to suffer damage due to aterror attack or war event, be it biological or chemical, your policy won’t be able to help.

No matter who you use for your insurance, you need to make sure that you talk about these instances and add in those riders or purchase additional insurance as needed. Make sure you take the time to read your own policy so that you have no surprises.

What Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover - Penny Pinchin' Mom (2)

What Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover - Penny Pinchin' Mom (2024)

FAQs

What are three 3 examples of what may not be covered under homeowner's insurance coverage? ›

Many things that aren't covered under your standard policy typically result from neglect and a failure to properly maintain the property. Termites and insect damage, bird or rodent damage, rust, rot, mold, and general wear and tear are not covered.

Which of the following is not covered by homeowners insurance? ›

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, termites, mold, or normal wear and tear.

Which one is not protected by most homeowners insurance? ›

Most homeowner policies do not cover damages caused by the following situations:
  • Wear and tear.
  • Neglect.
  • Mold.
  • Pests and infestation.
  • Sewer backup.
  • Flooding.
  • Earthquakes.
  • Business equipment.

What is excluded on a homeowners policy? ›

Common exclusions in even the most comprehensive homeowners policies include: earth movement, such as earthquakes; sinkholes or landslides that damage your home; water damage, such as floods or sewer back-ups that leak through a pipe or seep through the foundation causing damage to your home; damage resulting from ...

What should you not say to homeowners insurance? ›

Avoid admitting fault or underestimating damages as this might lead to lower compensation or even denial of your claim. Honesty is crucial when dealing with an insurance adjuster, so avoid providing false information which can lead to serious consequences like claim denial or legal repercussions.

What is the most common damage to your home that insurance does not cover? ›

Damage or destruction due to vandalism, fire and certain natural disasters are all usually covered. So is your liability if someone is injured on your property. Certain catastrophes, like flooding or earthquakes, are generally not covered by basic homeowners policies and require specialized insurance.

What are the exclusions for HO3? ›

That means your insurance company can pay for damage to your home unless it's caused by an event listed in the policy as an exclusion. Some common HO3 policy exclusions are: Earth movement, such as an earthquake, sinkhole, and mudflow. Water damage from flood, sewer backup, or water seeping in through the foundation.

What is not covered under a dwelling policy? ›

Dwelling coverage only applies to structures attached to your main residence, meaning that detached garages, sheds, barns, unattached guest homes, fences, or any other detached structures are typically not covered under dwelling coverage.

Which of the following would not be considered an insured under a homeowner policy? ›

An individual under age 21 in the care of but not related to the insured would NOT be considered an insured under a homeowners policy. The insured in a homeowners policy usually refers to the homeowner or policyholder, their spouse, and any blood relatives residing in the household.

What is the most extensive home insurance policy? ›

HO-5 (comprehensive form)

The HO-5 policy offers more protection than any other type of homeowners insurance.

What is the most complete homeowners insurance policy coverage called? ›

Called a comprehensive policy, an HO-5 policy offers the highest level of insurance coverage for houses and belongings. It covers your house and belongings under all circ*mstances except those listed as exclusions in the policy. The exclusions for HO-5 policies are the same as those under an HO-3.

What is the most common home insurance coverage? ›

HO-3. The most common type of homeowners insurance is the HO-3 policy, which covers your home, your personal property, liability, additional living expenses and medical payments.

What is typically not covered by homeowners insurance? ›

Homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods, earthquakes, typical wear and tear, and damage due to insufficient maintenance. You can usually add flood and earthquake coverage to your policy for an additional fee, but wear and tear and damage from a lack of maintenance are considered preventable.

What condition voids a homeowner's policy? ›

Your insurance policy may be voided if you do not perform necessary repairs and upkeep on your home. For instance, if you don't repair your roof and your ceilings incur water damage, you could not be protected. Check with your insurance to understand what your responsibilities are in terms of house maintenance.

Which event is not covered by a homeowners policy? ›

Most catastrophes are covered. For example, wind damage from hurricanes or tornadoes is covered as a windstorm peril. But, flood damage and earthquake damage are NOT covered by a standard homeowners policy.

What does homeowners insurance not cover quizlet? ›

Typical homeowners insurance policies offer coverage for damage caused by fires, lightning strikes, windstorms and hail. But, it's important to know that not all natural disasters are covered by homeowners insurance. For example, damage caused by earthquakes and floods are not typically covered by homeowners insurance.

Who is not an insured on a homeowners policy? ›

Your homeowners policy does not cover tenants. Tenants need to purchase a separate renters policy to protect their belongings in case the home is damaged.

What type of risk are not covered by insurance? ›

An uninsurable risk could include a situation in which insurance is against the law, such as coverage for criminal penalties. An uninsurable risk can be an event that's too likely to occur, such as a hurricane or flood, in an area where those disasters are frequent.

What are the three types of risks that homeowners insurance covers? ›

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against damage to your home and belongings caused by covered events like fires, theft, and storms. It includes liability coverage for injuries or property damage to others. Policy types vary, each offering different levels of coverage.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Carey Rath

Last Updated:

Views: 5307

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Carey Rath

Birthday: 1997-03-06

Address: 14955 Ledner Trail, East Rodrickfort, NE 85127-8369

Phone: +18682428114917

Job: National Technology Representative

Hobby: Sand art, Drama, Web surfing, Cycling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Leather crafting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.