When you buy homeowners insurance, you expect it to protect your home from damage. But not every type of damage is covered. Understanding what your policy excludes can save you from financial surprises when disaster strikes.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies follow similar patterns when it comes to exclusions. While your policy protects against many common risks like fire and wind damage, certain perils are almost always left out. Knowing these gaps helps you plan better and consider additional coverage if needed.
Keep reading to learn which two major perils are not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy.
At a glance:
- Flood damage and earthquake damage are two major perils not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies.
- These exclusions apply across most insurance companies and require separate policies or endorsements for protection.
- Other common exclusions include normal wear and tear, pest damage, and certain water damage scenarios.
- Understanding your policy exclusions helps you avoid financial gaps when filing a claim.
Which two perils are not covered?
The two most significant perils excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies are flood damage and earthquake damage. These natural disasters can cause devastating property damage, yet typical policies do not include them in standard coverage.
Flood damage refers to water that comes from outside your home and enters due to rising water, heavy rain, or overflowing bodies of water. This is different from water damage caused by burst pipes or roof leaks, which may be covered. If a river overflows or heavy storms flood your neighborhood, your standard policy will not pay for repairs.
Earthquake damage includes structural damage and property loss caused by seismic activity. Even minor earthquakes can crack foundations, break windows, and damage walls. Without separate earthquake insurance, homeowners must pay these repair costs themselves.
Both flood and earthquake coverage require separate policies or endorsements added to your existing homeowners insurance. Flood insurance is typically purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program, while earthquake coverage can often be added through your current insurance company.
Other common exclusions
Beyond floods and earthquakes, standard homeowners policies exclude several other situations. Normal wear and tear is never covered because insurance protects against sudden, accidental damage, not gradual deterioration.
Pest damage from termites, rodents, or insects is also excluded. Insurance companies view pest control as a maintenance issue that homeowners should prevent through regular upkeep.
Certain types of water damage may also be excluded, particularly if the damage results from lack of maintenance or long-term leaks that were ignored.
How a public adjuster can help
Understanding what your policy covers can be confusing. When you file a claim, insurance companies may deny coverage or offer less than you deserve, sometimes citing exclusions that do not actually apply to your situation.
A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They review your policy, document your damage, and fight for fair compensation. If you are in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania and facing a claim denial or low settlement offer, a public adjuster can help you understand your coverage and maximize your claim payout.
