Paying for expensive repairs is every homeowner’s nightmare, especially when insurance may not cover the costs. Damage to your home’s foundation can lead to additional structural concerns, so quickly addressing these problems is essential. Will homeowners insurance cover foundation repair? As with many things related to home maintenance and repair, the answer depends on several factors: what caused the damage, what coverage you have, and how quickly you address the problem.
Homeowners Insurance and Foundation Repair Claims
Potential Foundation Damage and Repairs
Damage to your home’s foundation can be a big concern if left untreated. If the repairs are extensive, you may need to submit a claim to insurance for potential reimbursement. Look out for any of these issues and address minor problems before they cause real damage.
- Cracks on interior walls, especially in corners
- Misaligned doors or windows
- Mold or mildew on the walls or in the basement
- Cracks on exterior walls
- Cracks or separations in the ground near the foundation
- Tilting chimney or exterior walls
- Pooling water near the home or poor yard drainage
Finding Your Insurance Policy
Every insurance company is different, and many homeowners who use the same provider can have different plans. You should read through your homeowner’s insurance policy and understand exactly what is (and isn’t) covered. If you don’t know where to find homeowners insurance policy information, your company’s website is the best place to start. You can call the central office, and they will connect you with your local agent.
Once you have a copy of your policy, read through and mark the paragraphs where you have questions. Call your agent to request a meeting to discuss the particulars. If necessary, you can make adjustments to your coverage before you notice any damage. Once you need the repairs, it’s too late to change the policy.
Understanding Your Coverage
In general, your homeowner’s insurance views events as “covered” or “not covered.” If the foundation repair is a result of “covered events,” then the company will likely pay for some or all of the cost. Even if insurance covers your repairs, you’ll likely have to meet a deductible first and potentially wait for reimbursement from insurance for the remaining cost. As you read your policy, note the definitions of covered and uncovered events.
Covered events are generally things outside a homeowner’s control: natural disasters, extreme weather, other human interference (such as vandalism), and sudden home disasters (like a burst pipe). Uncovered events typically include general wear and tear, damage that results from improper maintenance, and some natural disasters. Notably, flood damage is almost never covered without specific extra coverage.
Specialized Coverage and Endorsements
Homeowners are often frustrated when they learn their insurance company doesn’t cover repairs. In the case of foundation repair, one of the most common problems may not be covered in a standard plan: damage from the soil expanding and contracting. Here in Texas, the clay soil expands and contracts frequently as the moisture content changes. These soil changes can lead to the ground sinking and shifting around your foundation, causing cracks or uneven sections.
In most cases, repairs from changes in the soil will only be covered with a special endorsement or additional coverage options. Check with your insurance agent to discuss adding “expansive soil coverage” to your plan. A small extra cost on your premium could save you a lot of money down the road.
Being Proactive in Damage Prevention
Many insurance policies will not cover repairs for issues caused by improper maintenance or neglect. Homeowners are expected to keep up general maintenance and address problems quickly before they cause severe damage. Being proactive about protecting your home’s foundation is the best way to avoid paying for costly repairs down the line. If you understand your insurance policy, you’ll be able to make a list of the regular repairs that will help you avoid paying for expensive damage in the future.
Proper Foundation Care
No matter how careful you are, you should expect some damage from normal wear and tear around your home’s foundation. If you take good care of your yard and home, however, you can help prevent many issues. Work with a professional team, like the experts at Ecoscape Foundation, to develop a plan for maintenance. Include the following areas:
- Proper yard drainage
- Soil maintenance and consistent care
- Basement maintenance, including dehumidification
- Landscaping considerations, such as tree roots
The Importance of Documentation
Because your insurance company can deny a claim if they determine it’s due to homeowner neglect, it’s important to document your maintenance and repair work. Any professional company that helps you complete repairs should also document their process and be ready to provide information about maintenance if necessary.
How the Experts Can Help
Will insurance pay for foundation repair? That depends on the cause of the problems. Using an expert team to assess the damage and help pinpoint its cause is one of the best ways to make sure you get the insurance payments you deserve. An expert team like Ecoscape Foundation can assess several potential damage sources and give you the technical evidence you might need to submit an insurance claim.
Professional teams can also help you solve minor problems before they cause major damage. Repairing small cracks is much easier than negotiating with insurance adjusters after larger foundation shifts and cracks surface. Working with a professional team early in the process is always the best choice.
This article was created by an external contributor. Members of The Dallas Morning News editorial and news staff were not involved in the creation of this content.