A Solid Foundation: Making an Insurance Claim for Structural Damage

Though it goes largely unseen, your home’s structural foundation is one of its most integral pieces. Unfortunately, even houses are subject to broken bones. 

While homeowners insurance occasionally covers structural damage for an additional premium, this coverage is usually limited to a set amount. That way, you aren’t left scrambling when hidden damage finally makes itself known.

However, not all structural problems are eligible for reimbursement, and knowing what your policy covers makes you a more effective homeowner. Here’s how insurance can help remedy structural damage — and how you can prevent it in the first place. 

Homeowners Insurance and Structural Damage 

In most cases, structural damage is covered by homeowners insurance when the damage is caused by a covered peril or event — specifically under what’s known as “dwelling coverage.” It may also be referred to as “Coverage A,” as it’s often the first type of coverage listed in an insurance plan. 

Dwelling coverage is a standard part of most homeowners policies designed to protect aspects of your home’s physical structure: its roof, foundation, floors, walls, windows, and doors. In general, policies extend this protection to any structures permanently attached to your house — think garages, porches, and built-in fixtures. However, personal belongings and unattached structures aren’t included, and neither is the land where your home sits. 

If the structure of your home is damaged or destroyed due to a covered event or peril that is listed in the policy,  dwelling coverage is where you’ll turn to repair or rebuild it.  When you submit a claim, any eligible damage will be covered up to the limits of your policy. This also happens if an endorsement is added to the policy to cover structural damage to that limit. This protection proves invaluable for many homeowners, as structural issues can be nearly invisible until they become pricey damages. 

Structural Damage: What’s Covered Under Homeowners Insurance? 

Dwelling coverage can protect you from a variety of structural issues. While policies may vary, the damaging events, or “perils,” listed below are commonly included in plans for homeowners. To find out what your provider protects, check the fine print of your own policy. 

It’s important to keep in mind that, as a homeowner, you’re expected to perform regular maintenance and upkeep around your house. Failing to do so could make you ineligible for coverage that you’d otherwise have access to. For example, if a leaky pipe continuously leaves your basement damp, the subsequently sagging floor may not be covered. On the other hand, a pipe that unexpectedly freezes and bursts is both sudden and accidental and is more likely to be covered.  

What Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover 

Though homeowners insurance protects you from a wide range of perils, it doesn’t cover everything. As you’ll see below, many uncovered scenarios can be protected by adding supplemental coverage to your policy. Some commonly excluded items include: 

• Flooding. Most homeowners insurance policies do not include flood coverage. If your home incurs structural damage due to a flood, it likely won’t be covered unless you’ve supplemented your policy with flooding insurance. 
• Earthquakes. These can easily damage your home’s structural elements and are often excluded from insurance policies. If you live near a fault line or an area where oil drilling is common, supplemental earthquake coverage may be a worthy investment. 
• Wear and tear. With all the different systems necessary to keep your home up and running, there are bound to be a few issues over time. Insurers often won’t cover damage they attribute to normal wear and tear, making it extra important to keep up with regular maintenance. 
• Sewer damage. Heavy rain can cause sewer lines to back up if a sump pump isn’t strong enough to handle the influx of fluid. Additional sewer and drain line backup coverage exists to keep this system protected by insurers, but it isn’t included in standard policies. 
• Preventable further loss. If structural damage worsens due to a failure to make repairs, insurers usually won’t cover the extra expense. For example, if a hail storm leaves a hole in your roof and you choose not to cover the hole with a tarp, you might receive a reduced claim payout. 

Filing an Insurance Claim for Structural Damage 

If your home incurs structural damage, it’s generally good practice to submit your claim as soon as possible. The claims process can be broken down into a few simple steps, but keep in mind that it’s up to you as a homeowner to read your policy information and know what your duties are in the event of a loss. 

1. File the claim with your insurer, either by phone or online. 
2. Document the damage with photos and videos. 
3. Make temporary repairs to fix urgent issues. 
4. Meet with an insurance adjuster to discuss the claim. 
5. Enlist a contractor to make repairs, and save your receipts. 

Not sure when to file a claim? Submitting too many claims in a single year can raise your insurance premiums and make it harder to get additional coverage. If the structural damage is minor, covering the repair expenses yourself might save you money in the long run. The same goes for repair costs that are less than your deductible; it may be best to proceed with these without filing a claim. In general, homeowners  insurance is best reserved for major damage that will require extensive repairs to reverse. 

At-Home Tips for Avoiding Structural Damage 

Even with adequate coverage, preventing structural damage altogether is ideal. Here’s what you can do to minimize your home’s risk of structural issues: 

• Know the signs of structural damage. Ceiling stains, window cracks, sloping floors, and bubbling paint are all warning signs. Get familiar with them to address structural damage before it becomes a major problem. 
• Conduct regular maintenance. Inspect your home regularly and make repairs quickly to keep small fixes from turning into big issues. 
• Invest in good drainage systems. Water is a leading cause of foundation trouble. Shore up your drainage system now to avoid problems later. 

Building a Solid Foundation With Homeowners Insurance 

Structural damage can cause severe damage to your home, but a thorough insurance policy can help you stay protected, just in case. Adding supplemental coverage to your plan can help cover gaps that could mean big payments later on.

According to Stephanie Makowski, an underwriter in the insurance industry, “It is important to review and understand the insurance coverages. Not all policies are made the same, and working with your licensed agent will help explain the differences to know you have the right coverage in place for the area you live in.” A licensed insurance agent may offer suggestions for additional coverages and policy enhancements that can provide greater options for structural damage. And as always, taking preventative measures now might help you avoid serious structural problems in the future. At Claim Guide, we know that knowledge is power when it comes to insurance. Visit us today for more policy guidance. 

---

Reviewed by Stephanie A. Makowski

Stephanie A. Makowski has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She began her insurance career working for a large independent retail agency within their personal lines department. She then crossed over to the commercial lines department working with the construction and agriculture sectors.