Foundation repair can be a contentious topic when it comes to what insurance companies are willing to pay for and what must be paid for out of pocket. Foundation issues can be covered by home insurance, but the tricky part has to do with the scope of coverage and what insurance companies can cover based on what’s listed in specific policies.
Home insurance companies will usually pay for foundation repair if the damage was caused by a covered event, but some types of damage aren’t covered by home insurance. If the damage was caused by fire and severe weather events (such as hurricanes and tornadoes), home insurance policies will usually cover the cost. But certain types of damage (such as normal wear and tear, neglect, or faulty construction) may be excluded from your policy.
Claims That are Usually Accepted by Home Insurance Policies
Foundation repair claims are usually accepted by home insurance policies if they were caused by the following:
- Lightning or fire.
- Windstorms.
- Vandalism.
- Falling objects.
- Damage caused by vehicles.
- Riots and other civil disturbances.
These types of claims are out of the homeowner’s control, so they will be covered by most home insurance policies. They typically cover up to $250,000, but they can also cover more. The good news is that, in most cases, even the biggest foundation repair job won’t go over $100,000.
Claims That are Usually Rejected by Home Insurance Policies
The claims that are usually rejected by home insurance policies tend to be the most common, and they include the following:
- Poor construction.
- The natural settlement, bulging, cracking, shrinking, or expansion of your foundation.
- Pressure from tree roots.
- Earthquakes and floods.
Insurance companies see poor contraction, foundation settlement, and damage caused by tree roots as “negligence,” so the homeowner will have to cover the cost of this type of foundation repair. You need to make sure your property has been properly graded, that your plants and shrubbery are moved away from the base of your home, and that you take steps to address the inevitable settlement of your home. It will minimize the cost of repairs in case any damage occurs.
Earthquakes and floods are special claims that are covered by separate policies. So unless you have that as part of your home insurance policy, the cost of the foundation repair will need to come out of your own pocket.
How to File a Foundation Repair Claim
If you believe your home insurance policy will cover the cost of your foundation repair, here is how you can file a claim:
- File a police report if any crime has occurred.
- Take photos of the damage.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim (which can usually be done online).
- Make any critical repairs if they’re necessary, and keep copies of the receipts.
Get quotes from licensed contractors, so the insurance adjuster can use the figures to evaluate the cost of the repairs. Your deductible will be subtracted from the claim payout once you receive it. The insurance company may pay you directly. But if you have a mortgage, they may pay your lender.
How You Can Prevent Foundation Damage
Foundation damage can occur gradually over a long period of time, but the cost of repairing that damage won’t be covered by your home insurance. There are some preventative measures you can take that can not only maintain your home’s foundation but can also help you catch any potential issues before they become expensive fixes. Some of them include the following:
- Maintain your soil — The soil around your foundation shouldn’t be too wet or too dry, so it may be helpful to water your foundation with a hose during the summer months when it’s hot and dry.
- Check your grading — You want water to drain away when it rains, so you should have at least 6 inches of grading away from your home in the 10 feet surrounding it.
- Manage your trees — Any trees that are too close to your home should be cut down or moved, because it will keep the roots from putting pressure on the foundation. You should allow one foot of space for every inch of trunk thickness.
- Clean your gutters — Clogged gutters can cause water to spill over the edge and onto the surrounding soil, so keeping them clear of leaves and debris can protect your foundation from moisture-related issues.
- Lay some mulch — You can lay mulch around your home to maintain the surrounding soil’s moisture and temperature levels, which will minimize the pressure on your foundation.
- Take care of cracks as soon as possible — If you see any cracks in your foundation, you should contact a foundation repair professional as soon as possible. Acting quickly can minimize the damage and the cost of repairing it.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.