Can foundation repair be covered by insurance

Homeowners insurance covers house foundation repair, provided a covered peril causes the damage. However, there are exclusions to house foundation repair coverage, including damage caused by normal wear and tear.

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Last Updated: 8/3/2022

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Your homeowners insurance policy will pay for house foundation repairs as long as the damage is caused by covered perils like fire, windstorms or fallen trees. The dwelling coverage from the policy covers damages to the structure of your home, including the foundation.

Homeowners insurance will cover damage to your foundation up to the dwelling limits of your policy. In other words, if you have a dwelling coverage of $100,000, this is the maximum compensation for your house foundation repairs.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover House Foundation Repair?

Your homeowners insurance policy will cover the structure of your home, including the foundation. Homeowners insurance covers house foundation repair if caused by any of the perils or risks stipulated in your dwelling coverage.

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Some of the instances when home insurance will pay for house foundation repair include:

• Damage caused by falling objects like trees or when the foundation collapses due to the weight of snow or ice.
• Water damage due to plumbing issues, heating or air conditioning overflow.
• Damage caused by fire, lightning or an explosion.
• Vandalism or vehicle damage.

Foundation repairs are covered by home insurance if they are caused by covered perils, as specified in your policy. For instance, your insurer will cover repairs if your foundation collapses due to the weight of ice or snow following a storm.

Your home insurance policy will also pay for repairs if you have a plumbing issue that causes water damage to the foundation. Additionally, perils like fire, explosions and vandalism are covered since they are included in standard home insurance coverage.

When Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover House Foundation Repair?

Standard homeowners insurance will not cover foundation repairs if uncovered perils cause the damage. These exclusions are:

• Flood or earthquake damage to your foundation.
• Foundation damage caused by normal wear and tear.
• Damage resulting from faulty construction such as shifting and cracking foundations.
• Damage caused by tree roots, soil fluctuations or earth movement

How to Prevent House Foundation Repair

House foundation repairs can be costly and it's important to know that your homeowners insurance will not cover damages such as those caused by poor construction. One way to protect yourself and minimize exposure is to ensure your home is thoroughly inspected before you purchase it.

• Poor construction is one of the leading causes of the faulty foundation, and your home insurance does not cover it. Before moving into a new home, get a thorough home inspection to ensure that the foundation is good and not susceptible to damage.

• Proper grading will ensure water drains away from your home, limiting water damage due to heavy rains or flooding.

• Tree roots can easily damage your foundation, so it is important to relocate any trees that may be too near to the structure of your home to avoid potential damage to the foundation.

Where to Buy Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance policies are available in most major insurance companies like State Farm and smaller providers like Hippo.

The best homeowners insurance for you will depend on various factors. MoneyGeek recommends comparing homeowners insurance quotes and coverage options to help you find the right policy for your needs. The average cost of homeowners insurance is $175 per month, but rates can vary depending on your personal property.

You can use MoneyGeek's personal property calculator to see how rates vary based on the value of your personal property.

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