Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Will the damage to my house be covered by insurance?

In order for any insurance loss to be covered the occurrence must have been a sudden and accidental event. In general the damage caused as a result of a water pipe bursting would be covered on a homeowner’s claim (sudden and accidental), but dry rot caused by a slow leak in a pipe would not be covered (maintenance issue). If the incident is sudden and accidental, even unintentional damage caused by the owner, such as cutting down a tree onto your garage, or dropping a hammer and cracking a bathtub may be covered.

Most homeowner’s policies provide broad coverage, but many perils are also often excluded including; water damage from flood, earthquake, settling, cracking, bulging, vapor or chemical contamination, corrosion, mold, rot, and insect damage. Many people mistakenly believe that any damage to their home will be covered by insurance. Protect the investment in your home by understanding your insurance policy and preventing avoidable losses.
Each time you report a claim to your insurance companies’ call center the information is recorded. Most insurance companies share loss information, so multiple claims in a few years could drive up your future premiums with any company. If you are unsure whether or not if a loss will be covered talk to your agent. Your agent is a professional who knows the ins and outs of your policy and has a vested interest in helping you make the best long-term decision.