Neglect and Homeowners Insurance
Neglect and Homeowners Insurance
The purpose of homeowners’ insurance is to help protect homeowners from losses and property damage due to covered calamities. Home insurance is actually a series of coverages that includes the main dwelling, outbuildings, personal property, and liability. Homeowners’ insurance is not intended to cover normal wear and tear, and it certainly is not designed to cover damage due to owner neglect. Here is a quick look at some examples where claims may be denied due to neglect.
Falling Tree
It is likely that damage caused by a falling tree during a storm will be covered under a home insurance policy. If that tree, however, has been diseased and leaning over a neighbor’s home and that fact was known in advance, that could be considered neglect. Diseased or dangerous trees should be removed as a part of home maintenance.
Rotting Fencing
Sure, a wooden fence that is blown down by wind or damaged when a car drives through it may be covered. A neglected fence that is rotted, rusting, or otherwise in disrepair may not be. Again, a homeowner is responsible for normal repair and replacement of aspects of their home, and neglect is not sufficient cause for a claim.
Roofing
Roofs that have been damaged by storms are likely to be covered at least on some level. Some companies are moving to prorated coverage for roofing based on the expected lifespan of the roof and how long it has been in service. If a roof has been neglected and leaks go unattended, coverage could potentially be denied.
Home insurance is not intended as a replacement for routine home maintenance. It is important that homeowners keep properties well maintained and repaired.
If you have questions about home insurance and what is and isn’t routinely covered, please feel free to give us a call. As independent insurance agents, we are qualified to review home insurance policies issued by any company. If you like, we can then search our network of companies to find coverage to suit your situation and your budget. Reach out to us today and get started.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
First Jobs of Famous People
The Mundane Starts to Some Exceptional Careers
Sharpening the Marketing Axe For Your Business
How Using The Right Tools Can Take Your Business Marketing to The Next Level
Setting a Life Insurance Goal
You May Have Goals For Savings and Investments. What About Life Insurance?
Automotive British Speak
What The Brits Call Their Cars, Parts, and Features
The Benefits of Buying a New Constructed Home
See Why Many Younger Homebuyers are Choosing New Construction
When Did Super Bowl Halftime Shows Become Such a Big Deal?
For Years Traditional Marching Bands Served as Entertainment For NFL’s Biggest Game
Why You May Be Required to Have Business Insurance
While The Law May Not Require it, Other Factors May Dictate The Need For Business Insurance
Should You Have Life Insurance? HINT: Ask Your Spouse
Odds Are Your Spouse Would Want You to Have More Life Insurance Coverage
Changes in the Auto Industry You May Have Missed
The Brands, Models, and Features That Have Come and Gone
Six Things You Will Not Regret Splurging On
You Deserve to Have These Items Without Buyer’s Regret