Home insurance is one of those things we hope we never need to use, but we’re sure glad to have when disaster strikes. As a homeowner, understanding what types of claims are most common can help you take preventative measures and know what to expect if you ever need to file a claim.
1. Water Damage
Water damage consistently ranks as one of the most common home insurance claims in the US. Whether it’s a burst pipe during winter, a leaking appliance, or a backed-up sewer line, water can wreak havoc on your home.
What’s typically covered: Sudden and accidental water damage, like a burst pipe or appliance failure.
What’s not covered: Flooding from external sources (you’ll need separate flood insurance for that) or damage from long-term leaks that should have been addressed.
Prevention tip: Check and maintain plumbing regularly, know where your water main shutoff valve is located, and consider installing water leak detection devices.
2. Wind and Hail Damage
Mother Nature can be tough on our homes, with wind and hail storms causing significant damage to roofs, siding, windows, and more.
What’s typically covered: Repairs to your home’s structure, including roof replacement if damaged by covered perils.
What’s not covered: In some high-risk areas, policies may have separate deductibles for wind/hail or might exclude certain types of wind damage.
Prevention tip: Regular roof inspections, especially after severe weather, can help identify damage early before it leads to bigger problems.
3. Fire and Smoke Damage
Though less common than water damage, fire claims are typically more expensive due to the devastating nature of fire damage.
What’s typically covered: Structural damage, smoke damage, and loss of personal belongings.
What’s not covered: Fires set intentionally by the homeowner.
Prevention tip: Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, keep fire extinguishers handy, and never leave cooking unattended.
4. Theft and Burglary
Unfortunately, theft remains a common insurance claim for homeowners across the country.
What’s typically covered: Stolen items and damage caused during a break-in.
What’s not covered: Extremely valuable items like expensive jewelry or collectibles may need additional coverage.
Prevention tip: Install a home security system, use smart lighting when you’re away, and avoid announcing vacations on social media.
5. Liability Claims
Liability claims occur when someone is injured on your property and you’re found responsible.
What’s typically covered: Medical expenses, legal fees, and potential settlements if someone is injured on your property.
What’s not covered: Intentional injuries or damage.
Prevention tip: Keep your property well-maintained, fix hazards promptly, and consider additional umbrella liability coverage for extra protection.
6. Falling Trees and Limbs
Whether due to storms, disease, or other factors, falling trees and limbs can cause serious damage to homes.
What’s typically covered: Damage to your home and structures, plus removal of the tree if it damaged a covered structure.
What’s not covered: Removal of trees that fall without damaging structures is often not covered.
Prevention tip: Regularly trim trees near your home and remove dead or diseased trees before they become hazards.
7. Ice Dams and Winter Damage
For those in colder climates, winter brings its own set of potential insurance claims.
What’s typically covered: Damage from ice dams (ice buildup on roof edges), weight of snow or ice, and frozen pipes that burst.
What’s not covered: Damage that could have been prevented with proper home maintenance.
Prevention tip: Ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation, clear gutters before winter, and maintain adequate heat in your home during cold snaps.
8. Dog Bites
Dog-related injuries fall under your home insurance liability coverage and represent a significant number of claims each year.
What’s typically covered: Medical expenses and legal costs if your dog injures someone.
What’s not covered: Some policies exclude certain dog breeds considered high-risk, and repeat incidents may not be covered.
Prevention tip: Properly train and socialize your dog, keep it leashed in public, and consider a secure fence for your yard.
9. Mold Damage
Mold can develop after water damage events and sometimes becomes its own separate claim.
What’s typically covered: Limited coverage for mold resulting from a covered water damage event.
What’s not covered: Mold from ongoing humidity issues, leaks, or flooding is typically excluded or has very limited coverage.
Prevention tip: Address water damage immediately, use dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
10. Accidental Damage
Finally, accidents happen – from a baseball through a window to a moving truck backing into your garage door.
What’s typically covered: Sudden and accidental damage to your home’s structure or personal property.
What’s not covered: General wear and tear or damage due to lack of maintenance.
Prevention tip: Regular home maintenance can prevent many accidents, and teaching household members (especially kids) to be careful around valuable items can help too.
Making a Successful Claim
If you do need to file a claim, follow these steps for the best outcome:
- Document everything: Take photos and videos of the damage before cleanup.
- Make temporary repairs: Prevent further damage (like covering a damaged roof), but save receipts.
- File promptly: Don’t delay reporting your claim to your insurance company.
- Keep good records: Document all conversations with your insurance company.
- Get multiple repair estimates: This helps ensure fair compensation.
Understanding what’s covered by your home insurance policy before disaster strikes can save you both headaches and money. Review your policy annually, consider if you need additional coverage in certain areas, and focus on preventative maintenance to avoid claims altogether.
Remember that each claim you file can potentially increase your premiums, so for very small issues that barely exceed your deductible, you might want to handle repairs out
