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 liner, bricks, mortar, and surrounding structures. Homeowners insurance usually covers the repair or replacement of the chimney and any other property damage caused by the fire, as long as the fire was not intentional or due to negligence.
- Lightning strikes: Lightning strikes can cause severe damage to chimneys, such as cracking, chipping, or shattering the bricks, mortar, or metal components. Lightning can also start a fire in the chimney or the roof, resulting in further damage. Homeowners insurance generally covers the cost of repairing or replacing the chimney and any other property damage caused by the lightning strike, as long as the chimney was properly installed and maintained.
- Fallen tree damage: Fallen tree damage occurs when a tree or a large branch falls on the chimney during a storm, strong wind, or other natural disaster. Fallen tree damage can cause the chimney to collapse, crack, or leak. Homeowners insurance usually covers the cost of repairing or replacing the chimney and any other property damage caused by the fallen tree, as long as the tree was healthy and not diseased or rotten.
- Leaks: Leaks can occur in chimneys due to various reasons, such as faulty flashing, cracked or missing bricks, or damaged chimney caps. Leaks can cause water damage to the chimney and the surrounding structures, such as the roof, walls, ceilings, or floors. Homeowners insurance typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing the chimney and any other property damage caused by the leak, as long as the leak was not caused by neglect or poor maintenance.
- Collapse: Collapse can occur in chimneys due to various reasons, such as structural defects, age, or external forces. Collapse can cause the chimney to fall on the roof, the ground, or other parts of the house, resulting in significant damage. Homeowners insurance generally covers the cost of repairing or replacing the chimney and any other property damage caused by the collapse, as long as the collapse was not caused by neglect or poor maintenance.
Types of Chimney Damage Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover chimney damage that is caused by normal wear and tear, neglect, poor maintenance, or improvements or upgrades needed. Some examples of these types of damage are:
Normal Wear and Tear
Normal wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration of the chimney over time, due to natural aging, weathering, or use. Normal wear and tear can cause the chimney to crack, crumble, or erode. Homeowners insurance does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the chimney due to normal wear and tear, as it is considered the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the chimney in good condition.
Neglect/ Poor Maintenance
Neglect or poor maintenance refers to the failure to inspect, clean, or repair the chimney regularly, or to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or safety guidelines. Neglect or poor maintenance can cause the chimney to become dirty, clogged, or damaged, increasing the risk of fire, leaks, or collapse. Homeowners insurance does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the chimney due to neglect or poor maintenance, as it is considered the homeowner’s fault for not taking proper care of the chimney.
Improvements/ Upgrades Needed
Improvements or upgrades needed refer to the changes or additions that the homeowner wants to make to the chimney, such as installing a new liner, cap, or damper, or changing the size, shape, or material of the chimney. Improvements or upgrades needed can improve the appearance, performance, or efficiency of the chimney, but they are not necessary for the functioning or safety of the chimney. Homeowners insurance does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the chimney due to improvements or upgrades needed, as they are considered the homeowner’s choice and preference.
How to File an Insurance Claim for Chimney Repair?
If your chimney is damaged by a covered peril, such as fire, lightning, fallen tree, leak, or collapse, you should file an insurance claim for chimney repair as soon as possible. Here are the steps to follow:
Documenting the Damage
The first step is to document the damage to the chimney and any other property damage caused by the same event. You should take photos and videos of the damage, as well as gather any receipts, invoices, or estimates for the repair or replacement of the chimney and other property. You should also make a list of the items that were damaged or lost, and their value. You should keep copies of all the documents and evidence for your records and for the insurance company.
Contacting Insurance Company
The next step is to contact your insurance company and report the claim. You should provide them with the details of the damage, such as the date, time, location, and cause of the event, as well as the documents and evidence you collected. You should also ask them about the coverage, deductible, and limits of your policy, and the process and timeline of the claim. You should cooperate with the insurance company and follow their instructions and requests.
Understanding Coverage
Understanding claim coverage and settlement is the final step. The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and calculate your payout. Adjusters assess damage to nature and source, policy terms, and chimney and other property depreciation and replacement costs. The adjuster will then report and pay the claim minus the deductible and additional expenses. Please read the report check thoroughly and ask any questions or concerns. You should also contact the insurer until the claim is resolved.
Tips for Maintaining a Chimney to Avoid Future Damage
To avoid future damage to your chimney and the need for costly repairs or replacements, you should follow these tips for maintaining a chimney:
Regular Inspections
You should have your chimney inspected by a professional at least once a year, preferably before the heating season. A professional inspection will detect any issues or problems with the chimney, such as cracks, leaks, blockages, or damage, and recommend the best course of action to fix them. A professional inspection will also ensure that your chimney meets the current codes and standards for safety and efficiency.
Proper Maintenance/cleaning
You should also have your chimney cleaned by a professional at least once a year, or more often if you use your fireplace frequently or burn wood that produces a lot of smoke or creosote. A professional cleaning will remove any dirt, debris, soot, or creosote from the chimney, reducing the risk of fire, leaks, or corrosion. A professional cleaning will also improve the airflow and draft of the chimney, enhancing the performance and efficiency of your fireplace.
Addressing Issues Immediately
If you notice any signs or symptoms of chimney damage, such as smoke, sparks, odors, stains, or noises, you should address them immediately and not ignore them or delay them. You should contact a professional and have them inspect and repair the chimney as soon as possible before the damage worsens or spreads to other parts of the house. You should also avoid using your fireplace until the chimney is fixed, to prevent further damage or injury.
Hiring a Professional for Repairs
If your chimney needs repair, you should always hire a professional and not attempt to do it yourself or hire an unqualified or inexperienced person. A professional will have the skills, knowledge, tools, and equipment to perform the repair correctly and safely, following the manufacturer’s instructions and the industry’s best practices. A professional will also provide you with a warranty and a certificate of completion for the repair, which you may need for your insurance company or for future reference.
Avoiding DIY Projects
Finally, you should avoid doing any DIY projects on your chimney, such as painting, tiling, or decorating it, without consulting a professional first. DIY projects may seem fun and easy, but they may also damage the chimney or interfere with its functioning or safety. DIY projects may also void the warranty or the insurance coverage of your chimney, or violate the codes or regulations of your area. Therefore, you should always seek professional advice and approval before doing any DIY projects on your chimney.
