The foundation of your property is the most important part, which protects your house from any damage. If the base of your home is not solid, the entire structure can be at risk. The worst nightmare for any homeowner has to deal with foundation problems. It is not only expensive to repair but can seriously affect the value and safety of your home.

Homeowner’s insurance companies are well aware of the importance of a home’s foundation. That is why most policies cover damage to the foundation as long as specific perils cause it. But there are certain exclusions and limitations that you need to be aware of. So let’s look at what home insurance covers when it comes to foundation damage.

What Causes Foundation Damage?

Foundation damage is often caused by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and storms. But other factors can contribute to this type of damage to your home. These include:

Evaporation: When the soil around your foundation dries out, it can cause the ground to shift and settle. It can put strain on the structure and cause cracks.

Plumbing leaks & burst pipes: Water leaking from plumbing pipes or appliances can seep into the soil and weaken the foundation. It is especially true in areas with high water tables.

Tree roots: Large trees with long roots can grow under your foundation and cause cracks. The roots can also lift the foundation and cause settlement.

Poor construction: If your home is not built properly, it could be more susceptible to foundation damage. Poor drainage, for example, can lead to water pooling around the foundation and causing cracks.

However, the most frequent cause of a home’s foundation failure is shifting soil, erosion, and poor soil conditions that may develop over time. The question is whether your house insurance would cover damages accumulated over time. Know the disasters protected by the homeowner’s insurance.

When Your Insurance Policy Covers Foundation Damage

Home insurance policies cover the actual structure of your home. This includes the foundation, walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures such as built-in cabinets. If your insurance policy is based on the ISO Broad Form Homeowners Policy, you get protection against specific types of perils. If your policy covers your foundation issue, your insurer would almost certainly cover the cost of repairs. If not, you will be on your own.

For example, homeowners insurance in Corpus Christi, Texas, covers against the perils of fire, lightning, explosion, windstorm, and hail. But it excludes damage caused by sinkholes, animals, rodents, insects, and earth movement. So if any of the excluded perils caused your foundation damage, you would not be covered.

Read through your policy document carefully to know what disasters are covered and which ones are not. If any of those factors is to blame for your home insurance claim denial, you have a good chance of filing one.

When Your Insurance Policy Will Not Cover Foundation Damage

Some people think that their home insurance policy will cover any damage to their home, no matter what the cause. That is not the case. Most policies exclude two types of natural disasters: floods and earthquakes that can damage the foundation of your property.

If you want coverage for these perils, you will need to purchase a separate policy or an endorsement. For example, if you live in Beaumont, Texas, you can buy a flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to get protection against floods.

Homeowners insurance in Beaumont, TX, excludes damage caused by sinkholes, but you can purchase an endorsement to get coverage.

A home insurance policy may not include foundation repair coverage if the problem is due to typical wear and tear. Most policies provide coverage for sudden and accidental events that cause damage to your home or direct physical loss, defined as damage caused by an accident or other fortuitous event. Some issues are due to your negligence, to a poor home foundation, and as a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your home in good condition.

You can also expect the insurer to deny coverage for settling, cracking, or other foundation damage that occurs gradually over time due to soil movement, poor construction, or tree roots. These are all considered maintenance issues that are the homeowner’s responsibility to repair. If your foundation suffers from faulty workmanship or poor-quality materials, don’t expect home insurance.

It is always good to have your home inspected by a foundation specialist every few years to identify any potential issues early on. Be sure to keep receipts and records of the inspection and repairs to show the insurer if you ever have to file an application.

Signs of Foundation Damage

When it comes to foundation damage, the sooner you catch it, the better. The signs are often subtle, but they can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.

Here are a few signs that your foundation might be in trouble:

  • Cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings
  • Gaps around doors and windows
  • Sagging or uneven floors
  • Bowing or leaning walls

How Can You Prevent Foundation Damage?

Homeowners can do many things to prevent foundation damage and save money on repairs.

  • Water the ground around your foundation during dry seasons to check for gaps between the soil and your structure.
  • Maintain gutters and downspouts to stop water from pooling around your foundation.
  • When planting trees and shrubs, be sure to keep them at least five feet away from your foundation to avoid root damage. Place root guards around trees that are already established to keep their roots from growing into your foundation.
  • If you have a new home, make sure to check the construction company’s warranty to see if it covers any foundation issues.

Conclusion

Your foundation is an essential element of the house you want to preserve; it isn’t the only thing that needs protection. Find the coverage that protects your foundation and everything that goes into your home. Get a home insurance quote today to ensure your property is fully protected.

The insurance company’s expertise should be able to guide you through this process and help you understand what coverages are best for your home.