Claiming Home Insurance for Wall & Ceiling Damage: A Step-by-Step Guide

A standard homeowners insurance policy includes coverage for your home’s structure, including your walls and ceilings. However, insurance companies also assess the trigger for the damage, and sometimes, certain problems aren’t covered. 

Every plan is different, and it’s smart to read your policy carefully to determine what’s included and excluded. This chart can help you understand how wall and ceiling damage is typically assessed and covered by insurance companies: 

	Covered by Standard Policy	Covered by Additional Policy	Rarely Covered
Flood		X
Earthquake		X
Mold		X
Wear and tear			X
Insects or vermin			X
Slow leaks			X
Damage in a home vacant for 60+ days			X
Fire	X
Windstorm or hail	X
Explosion	X
Smoke	X
Weight of ice or snow	X

Frequently Asked Questions 

These are the questions we commonly hear from homeowners about wall and ceiling damage: 

What Kinds of Damage Are Covered by Standard Policies?

Every homeowners insurance policy is different. The best way to understand if a problem is covered under your plan is to read the documents carefully. You might discover that common issues are specifically excluded in the product you’ve purchased.

In general, standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage from common perils like fire, smoke, explosions, and wind.[1] Any of these triggers could cause significant damage to the walls and ceilings inside your home. 

What Kinds of Damage Require an Additional Policy?

While a standard homeowners insurance plan may exclude common damage triggers, you’re not required to accept the costs as inevitable. You can purchase problem-specific plans (like flood or earthquake insurance). You can also talk with your insurance company about endorsements—or changes to a standard plan that could cover more problems.[2] 

Wall and ceiling damage triggers typically covered by additional policies include the following:

• Flood
• Earthquake
• Mold 

What Types of Damage Are Rarely Covered?

Some typical damage triggers are rarely covered by insurance companies, as they’re commonly associated with neglect. Those problems include the following:[2]

• Damage in houses that have been vacant for 60 days or longer
• Insect or vermin infestations 
• Slow leaks 

You also can’t file a claim for walls sagging due to time or wear and tear. This is typically a maintenance problem, and your insurance company will expect you to handle it. 

How to File a Claim for Wall and Ceiling Coverage 

When your walls and ceilings are damaged, your homeowners insurance company will wait for you to trigger the claims process. Several steps are involved. 

To file a claim, follow these steps:[3]

1. Review your documents. Ensure that your damage will cost more to fix than your deductible. If the problems are small, you might be better served by addressing the issue yourself rather than involving your provider. 
2. Contact the insurance company. Tell your agent that you’d like to file a claim for damage and ask about next steps. 
3. Protect the property. Make temporary repairs, such as boarding up windows and doors, to protect against further damage. 
4. Prepare for an adjuster. The insurance company will send someone to visit the damage in person. You should be present for this appointment. 

For more information on how to file a claim, read our step-by-step guide.

It’s not always easy to assess wall and ceiling damage. Expensive and extensive problems could be hidden behind plaster and insulation. When you hire a contractor and the work begins, more issues may become clear. You can file additional claims for supplemental damage when this happens.[4] 

How to Document Wall & Ceiling Damage 

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to visit the damage in person. That inspection doesn’t negate your responsibilities as a homeowner. You should ensure that your agent really understands what went wrong. Documentation is critical. 

Follow these steps to document damage to your walls and ceilings:[5]

• Examine the exterior. Look for missing shingles on your roof, sagging spots, or debris sitting on the surface. 
• Look at entry points. Watch for broken windows or loose doors. They could allow water into the home, causing more wall or ceiling damage. 
• Check the color. Water damage can cause staining or discoloration. 
• Watch for texture shifts. Water intrusion can cause bubbling below paint or warping of the ceilings. You may also see cracks, and they can get bigger with time. 
• Assess the integrity. Cracks, leaning walls, or groaning sounds could indicate damage to load-bearing walls or beams. 
• Use your nose. Moldy or rotting scents could indicate water within the walls or in other hidden spaces. 

Tips for Communicating With Insurance 

You’ll work closely with your insurance agent and adjuster during the claims process. Following a few basic tips can make clear communication easier. 

Keep these best practices in mind while working with insurance:

• Don’t admit blame.
• Respond to questions as soon as possible. 
• Understand your policy inside and out. 
• Be clear and honest. 

If you and the adjuster can’t agree on a settlement amount, contact your agent and explain your point of view.[6] Be prepared with photos, videos, and other documents to prove that your side is the right one. You may need to hire an independent appraiser to visit the damage and offer backup for a higher claim amount. 

How to Maintain Walls & Ceilings

Your homeowners insurance company expects you to inspect and maintain your home. The work you do can ensure that your walls and ceilings stay as safe and secure as possible. 

Walk through your home regularly and look both up and down for signs of damage. Never leave your home unattended for long periods, as problems can appear when you’re gone. If you go out of town for a long period, have someone check in regularly.

Consider hiring an inspector to visit your home. An appointment costs about $400, and it could help you spot things like slow leaks or cracks that could result in intense (and expensive) damage that’s not covered by insurance.[7] 

Are You Prepared When the Worst Happens? 

Many people simply sign their homeowners insurance renewal forms without reading them. Don’t make this mistake. 

When your homeowners insurance plan is up for renewal, read your documents and ask the following questions:[8]

• Did the company change my coverage levels or exclusions?
• Have my deductibles changed? 
• Should I change my deductibles for added protection?
• Do I need additional coverage?

Schedule time to visit with your agent to go over the insurance plan in detail. Ask questions and ensure you really understand what you’re buying. 

Handle Wall & Ceiling Damage 

All homeowners should read their policies carefully and understand what is and isn’t covered. If a risk that’s present in your neighborhood (like earthquakes) isn’t covered by your plan, consider adding to your coverage. Even if you buy more protection, know that you’re required to maintain walls and ceilings and make needed repairs.