What Are the Top Exclusions for Basic Homeowners Policies? 

Understanding what your homeowners insurance covers is important, but it’s also helpful to know which losses or situations may be excluded. Chainfruit Insurance Services can help Tucson, AZ residents identify areas where additional coverage may be worth considering.

Common Exclusions in Coverage

While standard homeowners policies typically cover perils like fire, wind and theft, the following are usually excluded:

• Flooding: Flash floods and surface water damage are usually not covered under standard homeowners policies. A separate flood insurance policy may be needed to cover this gap.
• Earth movement: Earthquakes, tremors and land subsidence are generally excluded. An endorsement or a separate earthquake policy may be worth considering, especially if you’re in a high-risk area.
• Wear and tear: Standard policies often cover sudden and accidental damage, not gradual deterioration. A slowly failing roof or a long-running pipe leak may be classified as a maintenance issue, with resulting claims often being denied.
• Sewer backups: Water backing up through drains or sewers is often excluded from basic policies, but this coverage can typically be added as an endorsement.
• Pest damage: Damage from termites, rodents or birds is considered a maintenance issue and is generally not a covered peril. Repairs for this type of damage may not be reimbursable under a standard policy.

Understanding Personal Property Limits and Endorsements

Insurance limits define the maximum a carrier will pay for a covered loss. For certain high-value items, sub-limits may apply, often falling significantly below the overall personal property limit. These can include:

• Jewelry and watches
• Fine art and collectibles
• High-end electronics

Adding scheduled property endorsements or riders to a policy can help address these shortfalls and extend coverage for specific valuables.

Find Insurance Options Near You

Contact Chainfruit Insurance Services to learn more about your options and get a free personalized quote.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.