As a leading provider of home insurance in Utah, we get a lot of questions about the best way to protect yourself from the financial blow of a variety of events that can happen to you as a homeowner. One of the questions we get the most is, “Does home insurance cover foundation issues?”
Home insurance and foundation issues
Unless foundational damage was caused by an insured peril (broken pipes for example), a standard home insurance policy won’t cover foundational problems.
But if there’s damage resulting from external factors (like changes occuring in the ground beneath your foundation) or from earthquakes and flooding, it likely won’t be covered. Instead, you’ll need to purchase separate insurance to cover for that.
Avoiding foundational issues
Because foundational issues often aren’t covered by home insurance, it’s vital to do whatever you can to avoid foundational issues in the first place.
Here are some tips for mitigating foundation issues in your home:
- Carefully inspect the structural integrity of a house before buying it. Look for moisture damage or cracks on walls and floors. These are the signs of bigger problems. Consulting a contractor or professional is recommended so nothing is missed.
- Cracks in foundation are often the result of excess water levels in the surrounding soil. Be sure to have your soil treated or professionally drained to minimize wetness.
- Supporting your house’s foundation with steel piers or concrete can help halt any sinking or subsiding.
Like most things, it’s better to address any foundational issues as soon as possible. The sooner you can mitigate foundational issues, the better. Otherwise, you risk spending more money to fix even more damage.
There are a number of ways to protect yourself from the financial risks associated with being a homeowner. We know that navigating the world of home insurance in Utah can be overwhelming, but the friendly team at Salt Lake City Insurance is here to guide you through the process! Contact us today so we can get started.
