Did a sudden gust of wind yank a few shingles off your roof? Or perhaps a pipe suddenly burst under your sink, leaving a wet patch? When minor mishaps strike, your first thought might be, “Ugh, another DIY project,” or “It’s too small to even think about insurance.”
Many homeowners are not aware that their homeowners insurance policies may be more powerful than they think. Sometimes we’ll even hear some of our clients refer to it as “fire insurance”, and while that’s certainly true (your homeowners insurance of course covers fires) we’d like to remind you that your policy may be able to help you in ways you aren’t aware of.
Many homeowners assume their policy is only for the really big, catastrophic events – a devastating fire, a total roof replacement after a massive storm, or widespread flooding. And while it’s true your home insurance is there for those major disasters, you might be surprised to learn it can also be a valuable safety net for unexpected “smaller” incidents.
The key is understanding the difference between routine wear and tear, and sudden, accidental damage from a covered peril.
Covered Perils vs. Everyday Maintenance
Think of your home insurance as protection against the unexpected, not a maintenance fund. “Covered Perils” refers to those acts of nature that can do a number on your property, but often overlooked is they don’t have to be catastrophic perils.
Covered Perils: Your policy is designed to kick in when your home suffers damage from specific, sudden, and accidental events listed in your policy. These can include things like windstorms, hail, sudden pipe bursts, lightning strikes, falling objects, theft, and vandalism.
Wear and Tear / Maintenance: What insurance generally doesn’t cover are problems that arise from normal aging, lack of maintenance, or gradual deterioration. A leaky faucet that’s been dripping for months, an old roof that’s just worn out, or damage caused by pests are typically not covered.
When a “Small” Problem Might Actually Be a Covered Claim
Here are a few specific “everyday” scenarios where your home insurance could offer a helping hand, provided the damage stems from a covered peril:
- That Missing Fence Panel or Dinged Siding from a Storm:
The Scenario: A strong, sudden windstorm whips through, leaving a few fence panels down or causing minor dents and rips in your siding. It doesn’t look like a total disaster, just an annoying repair.
How Your Policy Can Help: If the damage was directly caused by a sudden windstorm or hailstorm (a common covered peril), your policy can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing those specific damaged sections. Don’t assume it’s too minor; even localized storm damage can be significant enough to warrant a claim, especially if it leads to further issues down the line.
- Sudden Water Damage from a Burst Pipe (Not a Slow Leak!):The Scenario: You wake up to a wet spot on the floor under the bathroom vanity, only to discover a pipe has suddenly ruptured. Or maybe a washing machine hose unexpectedly bursts, causing water to spread quickly.
How Your Policy Can Help: While slow, gradual leaks from old plumbing aren’t covered (that’s maintenance), a sudden and accidental discharge of water from a plumbing system is typically a covered peril. Your insurance can help with the often significant costs of tearing out wet drywall, drying out the area, and repairing structural damage, even if the initial wet spot seemed contained.
- A Cracked Window from a Falling Branch or Stray Object:The Scenario: A small tree branch falls and cracks a window pane, or a child’s stray baseball breaks a window. It’s not a break-in, just an accidental breakage.
How Your Policy Can Help: Damage caused by falling objects or unexpected impacts (that aren’t vandalism or theft, which are also covered but distinct) is generally covered under your homeowners policy. If the cost of replacing the window and any associated frame damage exceeds your deductible, your insurance can assist.
- Minor Clean-up and Repairs After a Contained Kitchen Fire:The Scenario: A grease fire on the stove is quickly extinguished, but it leaves behind smoke odors, a burnt countertop, or singed cabinets. It wasn’t a house-engulfing blaze, so you might think you’re on your own.
How Your Policy Can Help: Even a small, contained fire is a covered peril. Your policy can help cover the costs of professional smoke remediation, replacing burnt cabinets, countertops, or repairing wall sections, even if the damage is localized.
The Deductible Factor: When DIY Might Still Be Best
Before you call in a claim for every minor ding, remember your deductible. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
If the cost of the repair is less than or only slightly above your deductible, it often makes more financial sense to pay for the repair yourself. This avoids filing a claim where your payout might be minimal, and can help keep your claims history clear.
The Smart Move: Always Call Your Agent!
Even if you’re unsure, the best first step is always to contact Bill Palmer to get the answers you need.
- Expert Guidance: Your agent is your best resource. They can quickly assess the situation, tell you if the damage might be covered, and explain your specific policy terms.
- Prevent Bigger Problems: A seemingly small, un-reported covered issue that isn’t properly repaired (like that “minor” water stain from a sudden pipe burst) can escalate into a much larger, more expensive problem (like widespread mold or structural rot) later. Without initial proper reporting, a larger subsequent claim might be denied.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve gotten professional advice helps you make the smartest decision for your home and your wallet.
Don’t leave money on the table or risk bigger problems by automatically assuming your home insurance is only for the most extreme catastrophes. Understanding the nuances of your policy can empower you to utilize it wisely.
If you’ve experienced unexpected damage to your home, big or small, reach out to us today. We’re here to help you understand your coverage and navigate the path to repair.
Special thanks to Eyasu Etsub for the Featured image, and John Cameron for the inset!