Is Structural Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Covered perils are the specific events your insurance policy agrees to pay for. Common examples include sudden water damage from a broken pipe, wind or hail damage to your roof, or a tree falling on your house. If structural damage results directly from one of these listed events, your claim has a strong basis for approval. Always check your policy's declaration page for the exact list of covered perils.

Exclusions are equally important to understand. Standard policies do not cover damage from flooding or intentional acts. Furthermore, if the damage occurred because you failed to maintain your home, like ignoring a slow roof leak for months, the insurer will likely deny the claim. The cause of the damage, not the damage itself, determines coverage in most cases.

Filing a claim for structural damage starts with documenting everything. Take clear photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. Prevent further damage by making temporary, safe repairs, like placing a tarp over a hole in the roof. Keep all receipts for these mitigation efforts, as they may be reimbursable. Then, contact your insurance company to start the formal claim process.

The insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and assess the cause. It is crucial to have your own documentation ready. The adjuster's report will determine if the cause is a covered peril. If the claim is approved, you will receive a settlement detailing what repairs are covered. Disagreements over the cause or repair scope are common and may require further discussion.

Your first priority is safety. If you see significant sagging, large cracks, or hear unusual noises, evacuate the area and keep everyone out until a professional can assess it. Then, stop the source of damage if it is safe to do so, such as turning off the main water valve after a pipe burst. Secure the property to prevent further damage or looting.

Contact your insurance company promptly to report the loss. Begin compiling a thorough inventory of damaged property and structures. While waiting for the adjuster, you can contact local water damage pros for emergency water extraction or board-up services to mitigate loss. Keep all communication and documentation organized in a dedicated file for your claim.

• Ensure everyone's safety and evacuate if necessary
• Stop the source of damage if safely possible
• Document all damage with photos and videos
• Contact your insurance provider to file a claim
• Make temporary, safe repairs to prevent more damage
• Keep detailed records of all conversations and receipts