UPDATED FEBRUARY 2024
When an accident or water loss occurs, your homeowners insurance policy is likely there to help you. However, these policies are selected for specific purposes, and they may not actually cover all losses, including some from internal damage.
Generally, damages originating from within your home, such as those caused by a plumbing water leak or a broken pipe, are covered by your insurance policy. At Peterson Insurance, our team is happy to help you navigate the options to choose a policy better suited for your needs.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Underground Service Line Coverage?
Typically, underground service lines are those that run from your home to the main source in the street – like the drain line or water line. Homeowners insurance policies do not provide coverage for these underground service lines unless you add the correct endorsement to your policy. If one of these lines is broken, perhaps due to digging in the area, or a tree root grows into it, it’s a great idea to have this additional coverage so your policy can respond. Many home insurance carriers offer multiple coverage level choices for this coverage now and it’s typically much more comprehensive coverage than you would get with third party carriers, and at a better cost too! We encourage you to call Peterson Insurance today to get a home quote including this essential coverage option.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage or Flood Water?
Whether a standard homeowners policy will cover internal water damage depends on how the damage occurred. Water damage caused by discharge from a dishwasher, washing machine, or other appliance is likely to be covered, although repair or replacement of the appliance may be excluded. If it is sudden water damage resulting, for example, from a burst pipe or wind-driven rain your policy will likely cover it. However, in most cases, it will not cover damage caused by gradual leaks. Home insurance does not cover water/sewage backup or flooding from groundwater. You must add an endorsement to your policy to cover water/sewage backup and most companies require you purchase a separate flood policy to cover ground water damage. However, the Peterson Insurance Agency proudly writes with Erie Insurance who is the first carrier to offer Extended Water Damage Coverage which gives customers the option to add not only water/sewage backup but also flood water coverage directly on to your Home Insurance policy! Contact our office to find out more about Erie’s Extended Water Damage Coverage today.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?
Mold in your home may or may not be covered, depending on what caused it. The mold that results from some types of water damage should be covered under your homeowner’s insurance. Removal of mold from your home is typically not covered if the mold resulted from flooding, ground seepage, or poorly maintained pipes, leading to leaks. A homeowners insurance policy generally does not cover mold infestations that occur because of lack of maintenance or neglect. If there is a fire in your home and the sprinklers are activated, or firefighters use water to extinguish the flames, any resulting water damage or mold should be covered. Some carriers offer an option to add limited mold coverage by endorsement to your home insurance policy so we recommend calling to talk to one of our local agents to ensure you have this option on your policy.
Will My Homeowners Policy Cover Pet Damage?
Typically, homeowners insurance will not cover damage your pet does to your personal property or your home. Most homeowners policies exclude damage caused by a pet or domestic animal (and insects and rodents) to the structures on your property or your personal belongings. However, liability coverage included in most standard homeowners policies provide protection in case your animal damages someone else’s property, provided the animal is a pet or used for a hobby, such as horseback riding. Business farming animals would be excluded. It is important to ensure your home policy does not have any animal liability exclusions you are unaware of and to discuss the appropriate personal liability limit you need with an agent.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of Homeowners Insurance?
A home is one of the largest investments most of us make. In addition to being required by lenders, homeowners insurance is necessary to protect that investment. Critical factors affecting the price of a homeowners policy include:
- How much coverage you choose to purchase
- The area where your home is located
- Age, condition, and materials of the home (such as roof, electrical, heating)
- Frequency and severity of past claims
- Your credit score
- Deductible amount
- Safeguards against fire and crime
You will want to ensure you have the coverage you need while keeping your premium costs to a minimum. Our agency can help you find a homeowners insurance policy that suits your needs at the best available rates.
Home Insurance Policies Are Not Meant for Maintenance
One important factor to keep in mind when shopping for and using your home insurance policy is that now more than ever, with rising costs of home insurance, they are meant to cover accidental and unavoidable accidents. That is, they are not meant to cover the maintenance that you need to put in to maintain your home.
For example, if your roof is old and ends up deteriorating because of normal wear and tear, your home insurance policy is not going to cover that loss. Instead, it is up to you, as the homeowner, to make sure your home is properly maintained. You should count on your insurance policy for accidental incidents like a slip and fall, fire, burst water pipe, someone striking a water line or cutting into an electrical line and not routine maintenance.
Always Know What’s Included
Don’t assume that the coverage you need is included in your home insurance policy. Typically, your standard policy will not cover:
- Pest infestations
- Power surge damage
- Wear and tear
- Neglect
- Home-based business-related losses
- Earth movement
- Flooding from outside of your home coming into it
If you are unsure if you have coverage for your home’s current concern, contact Peterson Insurance to get a free policy review today. Speak to our team about your policy and how you can expand it to include more of the risks that are present at your home. Without a doubt, this can become critically important to protecting your home’s value and safety over time. Get a quote for a customized policy that helps to alleviate all of your concerns today.If you’re uncertain about whether your current insurance policy covers specific concerns related to your home, it’s crucial to contact an insurance agent for a detailed discussion. Our experienced team is ready to review your existing policy and guide you on how to broaden your coverage to address the various risks your home may face. Ensuring comprehensive protection is key to maintaining your home’s value and safety over time. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a customized policy quote that addresses all your concerns and provides peace of mind.
