Will Home Insurance Cover The Cost of Foundation Repair?
Although foundation damage is not an uncommon occurrence, you could be looking to pay some eye-watering sums for the repairs when it happens.
Fortunately, your home insurance MAY cover these costs, but this isn’t always the case.
When Does Home Insurance Cover Foundation Repair?
Every home insurance policy is unique. If the cause of your foundation crack isn’t in the policy, you will likely have to pay for all repair costs yourself.
So before signing up for a plan, take the time to read the fine print. It would help if you had an understanding of the exclusions and your responsibilities of a homeowner. That said, your home insurance should cover sudden or unforeseen issues that cause damage to your home.
These include:
- Fire explosions
- Tornado
- Lightning
- Storms
- Heave
- Vandalism
- Water damage caused by burst or leaking pipes
- Flooding due to burst pipes or broken washing machine hoses
What’s Excluded From A Home Insurance Policy?
Each home insurance company has its own set of exclusions and reasons why it will not pay out. Here are some of the events not covered by home insurance and why the insurer may refuse to help repair the foundation cracks in Indianapolis, IN.
- Normal wear and tear: Home insurance does not cover wear and tear. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to perform the necessary maintenance to keep your property in good condition.
- Natural shifting and earth movement: Home insurance doesn’t cover the earth under your home. So you may not receive a dime for damages associated with earth movements like landslides, sinkholes, mudslides, and earthquakes. Most insurance companies consider them too risky and will not cover them.
- Foundation settling: Generally, home insurance doesn’t cover foundation cracks caused by soil expansion or contraction. Most insurance companies consider this cause as preventable through regular home maintenance.
- Faulty construction: If your foundation is subpar, the chances are high that your policy will not cover any damages. The standard policy does not cover poor workmanship. Your only recourse is to seek reimbursement from the warranty, as long as it is still valid.
- Vermin and termite damage: Insects, rodents, and other vermin infestations don’t make it onto the list as well. Insurers consider pest control as part of the regular home maintenance process.
- Floods: Floods caused by rising water outside your home like torrential rain or overflowing rivers are not covered.
Usually, insurers will not pay out for these reasons because they deem them preventable risks. While this may seem utterly unfair, it’s your responsibility to do due diligence before buying a property and to keep it in good condition once you move in.
What Can You Do If Your Foundation Repair is Not Covered?
If you discover that your foundation cracks are not covered by your insurance, it’s crucial to take immediate action to address the issue before it worsens. Unrepaired foundation damage can lead to more severe structural problems, potentially compromising the safety and value of your home.
As you navigate these challenges, consider reaching out to a reputable specialist. Indiana Foundation Service provides expert repair services for foundation cracks, ensuring your home is restored to a solid, stable state. Don’t let the problem escalate—contact Indiana Foundation Service today to secure the foundation of your home and protect your investment.
FAQs
Many insurers offer additional coverage options, such as endorsements or riders, that can be purchased to cover perils not included in the standard policy, like earthquakes.
To file a claim, document the damage with photos, gather any relevant repair estimates, and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process.
Insurance companies typically send an adjuster or a foundation specialist to assess the damage and determine if the cause is covered under your policy.
Related Resources
Holly Richards-Purpura
Publish Date:
Last Modified Date:
Our Locations
624 North Front Street
Whiteland, IN 46184
2731 Albright Rd
Kokomo, 46902
8 N 3rd St
Lafayette, IN 47901