Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Structural Damage?

As a homeowner, you've likely invested significant time and money into your property. But what happens when unexpected structural damage occurs? Will your homeowner's insurance cover it? In this complete guide, we will discuss what kind of structural damages are generally covered under a homeowners insurance policy.

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What Is a Structural Damage?

Before getting into the main topic, we will quickly clarify what we mean by structural damage. 

Structural damage affects the core components of your home—the foundation, walls, roof, and floors. It's not just cosmetic issues, we're talking about problems that compromise the integrity of your house.

You might notice signs like cracks in walls, sagging ceilings, or uneven floors. These could indicate serious and major structural issues that need immediate attention. Remember, it is very important to catch these problems early. This can save you from more extensive (and expensive) repairs. 

What Does Homeowners Insurance Generally Cover?

So here comes major confusion for most homeowners: does homeowners insurance cover structural damage? The short answer is - it depends. Generally, most homeowners insurance policies include dwelling coverage, which protects the structure of your home. However, the coverage applies only to damage caused by specific perils listed in your policy.

Here are some common scenarios where your homeowner insurance might cover structural damage:

👉Storm Damage: If a severe storm causes a tree to fall on your roof, damaging the structure, your insurance will likely cover the repairs.

👉 Fire Damage: Structural damage resulting from a house fire is covered under most homeowners insurance policies.

👉 Water Damage: If a burst pipe leads to structural issues, your policy may cover the repairs. However, be aware that flood damage is generally excluded from standard policies.

👉 Ice and Snow Damage: If the weight of ice or snow causes your roof to collapse, most policies will cover this.

👉 Vehicle Impact: If a car crashes into your home, causing structural damage, your policy should cover the repairs.

It's important to note that every policy is different. You should review your specific policy or speak with your insurance agent to understand exactly what's covered in your situation.

When Homeowners Insurance Doesn't Cover Structural Damage

Unfortunately, not all types of structural damage are covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. Here are some situations where you might find yourself without coverage:

👉 Wear and Tear: General deterioration of your home's structure over time or damage that results from neglect or lack of upkeep isn't covered. Insurance companies expect you to maintain your property.

👉 Foundation Issues: Many policies exclude damage caused by soil movement or settlement.

👉 Flood Damage: Standard policies don't cover flood-related structural damage. You'll need separate flood insurance for this.

👉 Earthquake Damage: Like floods, earthquake damage usually requires a separate policy.

👉 Pest Infestations: Damage from termites or other pests is typically not covered.

Remember, insurance is made to protect you from sudden, accidental damage - not from predictable deterioration or lack of maintenance.

How To Protect Your Home from Structural Damage

While insurance is crucial, preventing structural damage in the first place is even better. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home:

👉 Regular Inspections: Have your home inspected periodically by professionals. They can spot signs of issues before they become major problems.

👉 Maintain Your Property: Keep up with regular maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters, fixing leaks promptly, and addressing minor repairs quickly.

👉 Manage Water: Ensure proper drainage around your home's foundation. Water is often the culprit behind many structural issues.

👉 Monitor for Pests: Regular pest inspections can prevent infestations that might lead to structural damage.

👉 Address Issues Instantly: If you notice any signs of structural problems, don't delay in getting them checked out and repaired.

What to Do If You Suspect Structural Damage?

If you think your home has suffered structural damage, keep the following in mind:

👉 Prioritize Safety: If the damage looks severe, evacuate the affected area until it's deemed safe.

👉 Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the damage. This will be very important for filing an insurance claim.

👉 Prevent Further Damage: You can take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage but don't start major repairs before the insurance company assesses the situation.

👉 Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage as soon as possible. They'll guide you through the next steps and send an adjuster to inspect the extent of the problem.

👉 Get Professional Help: You can consider hiring a public adjuster or a structural engineer to help assess the damage and navigate the claims process.

⭐Bonus

Additional Coverage Options That You Can Consider For Your Home

If you're concerned about gaps in your coverage, consider these options:

👉 Flood Insurance: If you live in a flood-prone area, this separate policy is important.

👉 Earthquake Insurance: This is important in regions with seismic activity. 

👉 Extended Coverage: Some insurers offer additional structural coverage beyond standard policies.

👉 Umbrella Policies: These provide extra liability coverage and sometimes additional property protection.

Also Read: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Structural Repairs and Roofing Services In Pittsburgh, PA

If you spot signs of structural damage to your home, don’t wait to call our team. McClellands Contracting and Roofing is here to provide you with professional roofing services in Pittsburgh, PA, and nearby areas.

We're one of the most trusted roofers in Pennsylvania. Our goal is to do great work on your roof, every time. That's why so many people in Pittsburgh put their faith in us.

We also understand that fixing or replacing a roof costs a lot and it can be stressful when you suddenly need a new roof. But don't worry! We offer financing to make paying easier. You can trust us to help you find a payment plan that works for you.

Want to learn more? Give us a call at (412) 353-5660. We're here to answer your questions and help you get the roof you need.

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