What Are Homeowners Insurance Exclusions?

Equipping yourself with homeowners insurance is a smart move. It covers many of the major issues you may face while living in your home and will prevent you from an even bigger headache of paying for restoration costs out of pocket if your home does incur damages. However, just because you have homeowners insurance doesn’t mean it covers all types of damage.

 

Exclusions, also known as risks, are named by insurance companies as types of disasters that aren’t covered by your policy. They are essentially a way for your insurance company to either deny your insurance claim or purchase extra coverage for special circumstances. Understanding insurance exclusions is vital to making sure you are protected. Learn more about exclusions basics and always feel free to reach out to Guardian Public Adjusters with any questions.

 

What Are Common Types of Exclusions?

Each insurance policy is different, especially in a time when policies are highly customizable. However, it may not be clear when you sign up for your insurance what types of disasters are covered when you get down to the fine print. Here are common types of exclusions:

  • Maintenance: Let’s say your home’s roof is past it’s recommended lifespan, but has damage from a severe storm. In most cases, it will no longer be covered under your insurance since you failed to maintain it.
  • Ordinances: If your city mandates you to update a part of your home, this usually isn’t covered in your general insurance plan.
  • Flooding: This is a major one. Most standard homeowners policies don’t cover flooding or any flood damages. It is an add-on that must be purchased separately.
  • Injuries: Say someone slips and falls off of your deck. Generally, third-party injuries are not covered under homeowner policies.
  • Expensive Items: Check your policy to see what the limit is on any damaged items. You may find that there is an exclusion for damaged or stolen personal items over a certain value.

 

Most homeowners don’t take the time to memorize their policies or just don’t understand insurance jargon. It’s important, though, to make sure you are covered before a disaster strikes. Once you do need to file your insurance claim, though, hire Guardian Public Adjusters. We help residential and commercial customers throughout Central Illinois understand their coverage and also get a maximum insurance settlement.