A damaged chimney is a safety hazard. Instability leads to collapse. Leaks lead to water damage. The sooner you can repair your chimney, the safer it will be for your house and family.
Some chimney repairs are covered by insurance, depending on the cause and extent of the damage. Read on to learn about chimney repair insurance claims.
Types of Chimney Damage Covered by Home Insurance
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage from a “covered event,” such as a lightning strike, a fallen tree limb, or severe storm damage. The specific events covered will vary by the insurance company and individual policy.
The amount of coverage also varies by policy. For example, your insurance may not cover a complete chimney restoration if your chimney is 20+ years old. The company may pay for part of the repairs but not enough for an entirely new chimney. The theory is that the chimney already had a decent amount of wear, making it more susceptible to damage.
Chimney Repairs That Are Not Covered by Insurance
Insurance will not cover damages resulting from poor maintenance or normal wear and tear. A fire caused by creosote buildup would not qualify for insurance coverage. Tuckpointing to repair aged mortar would not fall under most homeowners’ insurance policies. This is why it is imperative to get routine chimney maintenance every year. The chimney experts at Mortar City Masonry can take care of your brick chimney and other masonry on your property.
Homeowners Insurance Deductibles Will Impact Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Please note that most homeowners insurance policies have a deductible, ranging from $500 to $2,000 on average. The deductible is money that you will have to pay out-of-pocket on an insurance claim. If a home repair costs $10,000 and your deductible is $1,000, the insurance company will pay $9,000 toward repair expenses. You are responsible for the remaining portion.
Many chimney repairs are less expensive than insurance deductibles. Thus, you may not need to file an insurance claim for chimney damage. If the repair is $350 and your deductible is $500, you would likely pay for the complete repair out-of-pocket.
Mortar City Masonry Takes the Hassle out of Chimney Insurance Claims
Mortar City Masonry offers comprehensive chimney repair and brick restoration services. We can work with your insurance company directly to make the process as smooth as possible. Contact us at (586) 533-1305 to schedule a chimney repair estimate or learn more about our masonry services.
