June 5, 2020
Home insurance exists to protect you in the event of damage or property loss. Making a home insurance claim is necessary for homeowners when these events occur in order to receive reimbursement for costs associated with the loss or repairs to fix the damage. Let’s take a look at some of the most common events that result in home insurance claims being filed.
Insurance Claim #1: Wind and Hail Damage
A great majority of home insurance claims involve home and property damage caused by severe weather conditions. Hail and high winds present during severe storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes are especially harmful to the exterior structure of a home.
Insurance Claim #2: Water Damage
Water damage can be either weather-related or non-weather-related. Heavy rain and tropical storms can cause homes to flood, while a water main break or clogged gutter system can also be the reason for water damage to your home.
Insurance Claim #3: Fire and Lightning Damage
One of the most expensive insurance claims is fire damage. You can reduce the risk of a fire, and thus damage from it, in your home by regularly checking smoke detectors are working properly, never leaving candles burning when you aren’t inside your home, and keeping appliances like your stove and oven clear of clutter.
Unfortunately, lightning is naturally-occurring and there aren’t specific ways to stop it from striking your home, but establishing an escape plan for your family in the event of a strike can ensure everyone evacuates safely without harm.
Insurance Claim #4: Non-Theft Property Damage
When you experience property damage or loss that is not due to weather or theft, your home insurance provider can cover the incident to assist you with repairs and other related costs. Non-theft property damage includes things like broken windows from thrown objects (accidental damage e.g. a baseball changing direction or thrown too close to the home) and damage from a leaning or fallen tree.
Insurance Claim #5: Liability
This claim involves covering your own liability when someone is injured on your property, or your property causes damage to a neighbor’s property. One of the most common liability claims that homeowners insurance providers get is related to slip-and-fall accidents, which can occur due to tripping hazards on the property like uncleared ice on sidewalks or rotting wood on patios or decks.
Possible Exclusions to Home Insurance Policies
It’s important to have a full understanding of what your homeowners insurance policy covers, as there are some specific events that are not covered by standard policies. Depending upon your policy, home insurance may not provide coverage for:
- Earthquake damage
- Damage to vehicles on your property
- Termite damage
- Other damage caused over a long period of time
Your Carroll County Home Insurance Agency
We know how important it is to keep your home and family safe. Getting the right home insurance policy is vital to providing you with the peace of mind that you’ll be covered in the event of home damage or property loss due to sudden and accidental perils. For help with selecting a home insurance provider, or finding a new one, get in touch with American Heritage today!
