5 Things Your Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover

Your homeowners insurance usually won’t pay for wear and tear to your home. For example, worn roofs, leaky windows, and overgrown or dead trees are not covered by your policy. The best way to avoid costly damage is to prevent it by maintaining your home and fixing any problems as soon as you see them.

Additionally, when you renew your insurance policy, your insurance company may want to inspect your house again. If your home is in poor condition, your company may raise your rates or choose to not renew your policy.

Most homeowners policies do not cover damage caused by vermin and pests. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Birds
• Rodents (rats, mice, squirrels, etc.)
• Insects (termites, ants, etc.)

You should regularly inspect your home’s exterior, attic, crawlspaces, and roof for any holes or signs animals may be getting in. If you find anything, make sure to patch up the opening to prevent animals from getting in and causing damage that you’ll have to pay for.

Also, depending on your homeowners policy, damage from your own pet won’t be covered.

If it rains, it can flood. Even if you don’t live in a flood-prone area, consider buying a separate flood insurance policy or look for a homeowners policy that offers a flood endorsement. Visit the Flood section of our website to learn more about flood insurance.

If you have expensive items like jewelry, art, guns, electronics, and special collections like coins, you probably want to buy additional coverage for these items. Your policy only pays a limited amount for these kinds of pricey items.

Your homeowners insurance usually won’t pay to fix damage from a long-term water leak. Like wear and tear, you are responsible for catching ongoing water leaks through routine maintenance to your home.

Regularly conduct an inspection of your home to look for any leaks (especially around pipe fittings and behind appliances). Check and tighten loose fittings around appliances like water heaters.