Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Foundation Sinking?

Why Do Structures Sink?

There are several causes for foundation settlement. The most prevalent reason is the soil beneath it. Depending on the soil on which your home was constructed, it may be more susceptible to shifting and settling over time. For instance, if your home is constructed on clay soil, there may not be enough particles to sustain its weight. This can cause the clay to compress, leading to foundation settlement.

Soil moisture is another factor that contributes to foundation settlement. When there is excessive water in the soil around your foundation, the earth may expand. This might put a strain on your foundation, causing it to sink.

The final cause of sinking foundations is the age of the home. The foundations will naturally settle and sink over time. This is due to several factors, including the materials used to construct the house's foundation, the weather, and weight.

Then, Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Foundation Settlement?

The concise answer is no. Sinking foundation is not covered by homeowner's insurance. This is because the problem is considered preventable. There are several measures you may take to prevent your foundation from sinking, including:

• Ensure that the land surrounding your property has adequate drainage
• Add steel beams or piers to your foundation for added strength.
• Check the moisture levels of the soil around your foundation regularly.

If you take these precautions and your foundation still sinks, you are regarded to have neglected its maintenance. Consequently, your homeowner's insurance will not cover any resulting damage. It is deemed negligence, which we will discuss shortly.

Covered Foundation Deterioration Type

Homeowners' insurance covers some types of foundation damage. However, foundation sinking is not. For instance, if your foundation fractures due to a severe temperature shift or an earthquake, your homeowner's insurance will likely cover the repairs. The same is true if your foundation is damaged by a fire, extreme weather, vandalism, or water damage from your plumbing or air conditioning system.

Foundation Damages That Are Not Covered

There are further forms of foundation damage not covered by homeowner's insurance. This includes if your foundation breaks due to inadequate maintenance or settlement, termite or other pest damage, and negligence. Three primary causes of foundation damage resulting from negligence are pressure, moisture, and construction. All of these are considered avoidable.

Observations

Sinking foundation is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to your home. Nevertheless, this is not always covered by homeowner's insurance. It's best to speak with an experienced insurance attorney. If you want to avoid your home's foundation from sinking, you must take preventative actions, such as regularly checking the moisture content of the soil around your foundation.

Don't Make Assumptions.

Experts decide many insurance claims. Don't assume whether you know if something is covered or not. Although some instances involving are covered by insurance, there are various factors why the insurance company might try to get out of paying you. It is essential to realize that the insurance provider could try to convince you that the cost of fixing the damages is less than the deductible. Don't let the insurance provider take a free ride in rejecting your legitimate claim. Get an experienced home insurance attorney to help. Let the attorney evaluate through experts whether a claim is covered or not.