Most people take their home’s foundation for granted. They don’t even think about it until they notice water puddling on the floor in areas with no plumbing. When it gets to that point, you may have serious issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. If you’re tempted to file an insurance claim to cover any potential damage, you may want to talk to your agent first. Some policies may not cover foundation damage. Others may cover specific types, but you may not know which ones until it’s too late.
When Is Damage to Your Foundation Covered?
Homeowners’ insurance policies contain exclusions. An exclusion is a specific cause that will not be covered if your foundation is damaged because of it. Exclusions often include earthquakes and floods. Those two exclusions are normally covered by supplemental policies. Damage that has been caused by tree roots or your house “settling” may also be denied. Other events like tornadoes, riots, fire, water damage, explosions, and vandalism are often covered depending on how comprehensive your policy is.
Can Your Insurance Company Help?
Your insurance company has a network of reputable contractors that they work with on a regular basis. Because these contractors work closely with your insurance company, you will get the answers you need much faster and the entire claims and repair process will go quickly. Since the two communicate with one another regularly, both parties have all the information they need to make things go smoothly. It’s important to have the repairs completed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your foundation and your home.
What to Do If the Damage Isn’t Covered?
If it is initially determined that your foundation damage won’t be covered, you will need to ask why. You may want to do a little investigating to see if your damage can be linked to an event that you are covered for. Digging a little deeper into the problem, you may discover that the damage was caused by something that your policy protects you from. If you find that you aren’t covered, you will have to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket or finance it through the contractor.
Filing a Claim for Foundation Damage
When you first notice damage to your foundation, you will want to contact an inspector or a professional contractor. You will need to find out if the damages are covered by your policy. If it is determined that they fall within the boundaries of your policy, you will need to take their report to your insurance agent and start the process of filing a claim. Depending on what caused your foundation, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a police report (vandalism) or a description of damage by a fire marshall after a house fire.
Cover Your Home’s Foundation Repair with Hoffman Brown Insurance
When you have questions about foundation damage, go to the professionals who deal with it on a regular basis. Contact the agents at Hoffman Brown Insurance today. We can go over your homeowners’ policy with you and help you find the answers you are looking for. Our agents are always available when you need us! You can call us anytime to schedule a consultation.
