When it comes to homeowners insurance, knowing what your policy doesn’t cover is just as important as knowing what it covers. Home insurance is designed to help protect your home and its contents if they’re damaged by a covered loss, but there are certain types of damages that are excluded by standard policies. You’ve made a big investment in your home, so understanding which area is not protected by most homeowners insurance can help you determine if you need additional coverages for extra protection.
5 Things That Are Not Covered by a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damages caused by situations involving:
- Floods
- Earthquakes
- Home businesses
- Everyday wear and tear
- Home neglect
1. Flood Damage
Although some forms of water damage, like damage resulting from an accidental pipe burst, are covered by standard homeowners insurance, flood damage is typically not. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, you’ll need to purchase a separateflood insurance policy offered through the National Flood Insurance Program to help keep your home protected.
2. Earth Movements
Natural disasters involving earth movements, such as earthquakes, sinkholes and mudslides, are usually not covered by home insurance policies. However, you can add coverage to your homeowners policy to help protect against these situations.
3. Home Business
If you operate a business out of your home, your homeowners insurance may not include protection for parts of your business, like technology or professional equipment. That’s why you’ll need separatehome-based business insurance to help protect your business assets in the event of fire, theft or another covered loss.
4. Wear and Tear
Normal wear and tear is typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance coverage. For example, if your home’s plumbing system becomes worn out over time, your home insurance likely won’t pay for damages. However, damages are covered in accidental events, such as in the case of burst pipes.
5. Home Neglect
Damage caused by poor home maintenance is usually not covered by home insurance. That’s why pest damage, like from vermin or rodents, is generally not covered. Preventing these critters from taking up residence in your home is considered by most insurance companies to be part of maintenance in which the homeowner is responsible for.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage for AARP Members
Since 1984, we’ve provided home insurance exclusively for AARP members and their families. In fact, The Hartford is the only insurance provider endorsed by AARP.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage From The Hartford
Not all home insurance companies are the same. At The Hartford, we’ve been in the business of protecting individuals and their properties for over 200 years. Through the AARP® Home Insurance Program from The Hartford,1 you can enjoy great rates and special discounts on your insurance.
Still wondering, “What does homeowners insurance cover?” Our specialists are here to help take out the guesswork and get you the coverage you need. To find out the savings and benefits available to you,get a quote today.
Last Updated: January 5, 2023
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