Buying homeowner’s insurance is a wise move which can help to deal with major unexpected repairs or theft. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can be vital in a number of instances. In every home that has a chimney, some type of repair is inevitable at some point. This can be quite expensive, depending on the extent of the damage. If you find yourself in this situation, take a close look at your homeowner’s insurance policy. It generally covers damage in specific cases, so it is best to know what options are open to you before you start any work.

What may be Covered

The terms of a homeowner’s insurance policy as it relates to the chimney usually applies only to an abrupt occurrence. Over the course of a few years, some deterioration of the chimney is expected from repeated use. Policies generally do not cover these types of repairs. If there is a chimney fire that causes damage to the structure, or that spreads to other sections of the house, the policy will cover the repairs. You may also be able to claim in the case of damage by a lightning strike.

Damage that is Not Covered

There may be instances where there is unexpected damage to the chimney that will not be covered by the insurance policy. If damage is caused by a construction crew on your property you will not be able to make a claim for the repairs. The same can be said for a vehicle colliding with the house and causing damage to the chimney.

The policy will most likely not pay for wind damage. This is possibly due to the fact that wind damage might be an indicator of poor maintenance, or normal wear and tear to the structure. You might also have a difficult time making a claim if flooding cases damage to the chimney.

Even when coverage is provided, an insurance company may try to deny your claim for some reason. One possibility is if an examination determines that the chimney was poorly maintained. Before you purchase homeowner’s insurance, you should get details from the agent about the extent of the coverage. You should also take the time to read through the policy so that there are no surprises if you need to make a claim.

Lou Curley’s Chimney Service is a local, family-owned and operated company with two CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps to better serve homeowners along the Main Line. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 to schedule an appointment for a chimney cleaning or inspection. Also follow us on Facebook for even more great information about keeping your chimney safe for years to come.