What Real Estate Professionals Should Know (and Tell Their Clients) About Homeowners Insurance

What Real Estate Professionals Should Know (and Tell Their Clients) About Homeowners Insurance

Many homeowners arbitrarily pick their home insurance policy without knowing exactly what is covered, and by some estimates,  60% of U.S. homes are underinsured today. Making this mistake can be financially devastating when disaster strikes. Real estate professionals can help their clients by advising them on this important decision.

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers the home, other structures on the property, some personal possessions and liability. But it doesn’t cover everything. Knowing what’s excluded from a policy will help the homeowner avoid being caught off-guard when damages occur or disaster strikes.

Here are 10 costs homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover. Additional coverage may be warranted depending on the type of coverage and where the home is.

1. Flooding

Water invading your home from overflowing rivers, torrential downpours or backed up sewers and drains usually isn’t included in homeowners insurance policies. Groundwater damage typically isn’t covered either. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you may want to consider purchasing flood insurance. Burst pipes are commonly covered, but for overflow or issues with sewage, you might want to see if your insurer offers water backup coverage.

2. Earthquakes

Damage resulting from earthquakes and aftershocks are not covered under a general homeowners insurance policy. Other movements from the earth — including landslides and sinkholes — are usually excluded, too. Buying a separate insurance policy for earthquakes or difference in conditions (DIC) coverage is an option.

3. Normal Wear and Tear

As a homeowner, you are expected to maintain your property and make repairs as needed. Homeowners insurance is not meant to cover the cost of keeping your home from deteriorating. Over time, it’s up to you to ensure that your roof, fences, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are in good condition.

4. Infestation

If your home becomes infested with pests, like mice and bedbugs, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to get rid of them. Quite a bit of damage can be done if pests make a new home under your roof. Termites, for example, can eat through wooden beams and tear up walls. But your homeowners insurance policy probably won’t cover any of the repairs you have to make.

5. Service Lines

While the pipes inside your house are covered by your homeowners insurance policy if they leak or burst, most service lines on your property aren’t. If your sewage line breaks in your yard, you may be held responsible for the repair costs.

6. Wind and Hurricane Damage

Falling under the umbrella of natural disaster, much like floods (that go hand in hand with hurricanes) and earthquakes, wind and hurricane coverage is not always covered by general homeowners insurance policies, particularly if you live in a coastal region. If you own a home in a hurricane zone, shop around for insurance plans that include wind damage. Or consider asking your insurer to add windstorm coverage to your existing policy. Certain states offer supplemental windstorm insurance plans that you can enroll in if you need them.

7. Equipment Breakdown

Since major equipment that help keep your house comfortable, clean and safe are part of your home, they’re covered by your insurance policy, right? Not necessarily. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover the equipment that support your home, unless you secure equipment breakdown coverage. Unfortunately, this is something most insurers don’t include in their plans without your direct request for additional coverage.

8. Government Action

If the government confiscates or seizes your property or your land, your homeowners insurance policy will not come into play or cover any losses that stem from those circumstances.

9. Mold Damage

Insurance claims filed about mold damage aren’t automatically denied. But there are often stipulations. Mold, in most cases, is caused by moisture and water damage. Homeowners insurance will not cover mold damage if it is clear that it was caused by negligence and failure to perform regular home maintenance. Claims will also be denied if there’s a major flood or construction defect. A general homeowners insurance policy might cover mold damage, however, resulting from burst pipes or water leaks. But you will have to act fast to fix the problem if you want your claim to be approved.

10. Faulty Workmanship

You will not be covered by homeowners insurance if there’s a loss of property from faulty, inadequate or defective planning, zoning or development. Also, if there are defects in design, workmanship or construction, the cost of repairs will be your responsibility. Materials used in renovation or remodeling must also be up to code and in good condition if you hope to have any resulting damages covered by your policy.

Attention to Detail is Key

You never want to find out that a problem with your home isn’t covered by your standard insurance plan, especially if you’re strapped for cash. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print in your policy and pay close attention to exemptions. If you need additional coverage, research umbrella policies.

About the Author:

Brian Collins is a writer for Hippo, an insurtech company that’s on a mission to transform home insurance for the modern household. Among its many innovations, Hippo allows homeowners to get a quote and purchase home insurance online in 60 seconds or less, save up to 25 percent compared with traditional insurers, and obtain smarter coverage for modern households. This includes protection for possessions like appliances, consumer electronics, and home offices.