Author: Sayan Dutta

No, standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage caused by war.Insurance policies, including those for homes, often have exclusions for war, terrorism, and related perils. This means that if your house is damaged or destroyed due to war, the insurance coverage may not apply. The exclusions typically extend to damages caused by acts of war, invasions, insurrections, riots, strikes, and terrorism. It’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand the specific exclusions related to war. What is War Risk Insurance? War risk insurance is a separate policy offered by specialized insurance companies or through…

No, standard house insurance policies typically do not cover woodworm damage. Woodworm, caused by wood-boring insects, is often considered a preventable issue, and insurance policies generally exclude it. While some insurance providers may cover related pests, wood-eating bugs like woodworms are usually not included in standard home insurance. What are Woodworms? Woodworms are the larvae of certain wood-boring beetles that munch their way through the timber, leaving behind telltale signs like frass (fine sawdust) and small holes. These insects pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home, potentially weakening wooden beams, floorboards, and furniture. Early detection and treatment…

Yes, house insurance generally covers damage caused by lightning strikes. This includes damage to the structure of your home, your belongings, and any other structures on your property, such as detached garages or sheds. However, it’s important to understand the specifics of your policy and any potential limitations or exclusions. Let’s delve deeper into the details: Do house insurance policies have different deductibles for lightning strikes? No, house insurance policies typically don’t have separate deductibles for lightning strikes.  Your standard homeowner’s insurance deductible applies to lightning damage just like any other covered peril. This means you’ll pay the same deductible…

In most cases, home insurance covers boilers. This is because boilers are considered a necessary part of the home. Homeowner’s insurance will cover a broken boiler under certain conditions. If the boiler is damaged by a known peril like a natural disaster or an explosion, then the damages would be covered as long as the peril is covered. Do house insurance policies vary in their coverage of gas boilers? Yes, house insurance policies can vary significantly in their coverage of gas boilers. Some policies may include gas boilers as part of the standard buildings or contents insurance, while others may…

A typical homeowners insurance policy will cover chimney damage if the damage was caused by a covered peril. This includes damage from a covered loss, such as a tree falling on the chimney. However, chimneys damaged by normal wear and tear or neglect are not covered. Types of Chimney Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance Homeowners insurance typically covers chimney damage that is caused by sudden and accidental events, such as: Chimney fires: Chimney fires occur when creosote, a flammable substance that builds up in the chimney from burning wood, ignites and causes a blaze. Chimney fires can damage the chimney…

Homeowners insurance usually covers water damage from roof leaks, but there are often exceptions and conditions. For example, some policies only cover damage caused by wind or other weather-related issues. Many policies also exclude coverage for flood damage. Homeowners insurance typically covers roof leaks caused by sudden, accidental events, like storms or fallen trees. However, your policy probably won’t cover leaks caused by poor maintenance or an old roof. Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover a number of perils, including windstorms and fires. Perils are events that are typically outside of your control and cause damage to your home. If…

Underpinning is the reinforcement of an existing building foundation. It’s needed when the original foundation is no longer strong enough to support the house. Subsidence damage is usually covered by building insurance. This means that you should be able to claim back the cost of your house needs underpinning. However, underpinning might not be covered by your home insurance if the subsidence was caused by major structural changes you’ve made to your home.  Insurers will want to know when the subsidence occurred, the cause of it, and the exact method and extent of the underpinning. If your property is underpinned,…

Yes, generally, homeowners insurance covers wind damage to your roof. The dwelling coverage portion of your policy typically protects the structure of your house, including the roof, from unforeseen events like windstorms, fires, hail, and more. However, the amount of coverage depends on the quality of the roof before the damage. For example, if the roof has existing issues, such as missing shingles or rotten wood, the coverage will be less than for a brand-new roof. Unraveling the Scope of Wind Damage and Coverage Covered Wind Damage: Most policies cover sudden and accidental wind damage, resulting in missing or damaged…

Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers storm damage to fences, but with some important caveats. The extent of coverage is up to the limit specified in your policy. The damage to your fence is considered under additional structure coverage, and it falls within the scope of protection against various weather-related events. Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Fences What is Typically Covered? Storm-related damage: Windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning often fall under “covered perils” within your policy, meaning house insurance can kick in for repairs or replacements. Damage from fallen trees: If a healthy tree on your property succumbs to the storm and…

Subsidence is a serious problem that can affect your home and its value. It occurs when the ground beneath your house sinks or shifts, causing cracks, tilts, and structural damage. Subsidence can be caused by various factors, such as weather, mining, tree roots, or poor construction. In this article, we will explain what subsidence is, how it differs from other types of damage, whether your house insurance covers it, and how to avoid it. Understanding Subsidence Definition Subsidence is the gradual sinking or vertical collapse of the ground’s surface beneath a structure. It can affect any part of your house,…