How Do You Know If Your Home Insurance Covers Chimney Repairs?

There is good news and bad news regarding the ability to file valid claims for chimney damage on your homeowner's insurance. Damage resulting from a sudden, unforeseen occurrence is typically covered. Generally, natural wear and tear are never covered by insurance. Your insurance policy, the company you are insured with, and the agent you work with on a claim will ultimately determine what your homeowner's insurance covers when your chimney requires repair.

Standard Chimney Problems Covered by Insurance

The two most common instances in which homeowners successfully file insurance claims for chimney damage are:

• First, the chimney's peak is struck by lightning and
• Two, a chimney fire breaks out and causes damage.

These two events share the characteristics of being sudden and unexpected.

Classifying Chimney Deterioration

Significant weather events can cause chimney damage that homeowner's insurance may cover. For example, if a tree falls on your property and ruins the chimney, the cost of repairs will be covered. Depending on your insurance policy, wind damage to the chimney is typically not covered.

The difficulty with chimney damage is that a significant portion of the damage cannot meet the requirements for being sudden and unexpected. For instance, if a chimney was in disrepair with missing mortar and crumbling bricks before it collapsed, its replacement is likely not covered. However, damage caused by the chimney's collapse, such as your patio, may be covered. Working with your insurance agent and reading the fine print can tremendously assist. Possessing an agent equally concerned with providing excellent customer service and saving money when possible is a plus. Still, one who is also focused on enhancing the company's reputation by being flexible with claims is preferable.

Protection against Chimney Fires

Chimney fires can cause considerable damage to both the chimney and the dwelling. It is not uncommon for a chimney fire's tremendous heat to cause damage to the flue. In this instance, replacement of the flue and all other forms of chimney repair is covered. On occasion, an insurance company will state that they will deny a claim because they are unhappy with the maintenance performed before the chimney fire. It is correct that improper maintenance of a chimney increases the chance of a dangerous chimney fire. Insurance companies rarely use a lack of maintenance as a justification to avoid paying for repairs.

To Pay or Not to Pay: Claims Secrets

Even if a homeowner's insurance policy is on paper, there is much wiggle area in establishing what is covered and what is not, including chimney-related issues. Here are a few insider recommendations regarding chimney-related claims that are paid but may have easily been denied:

• If there is no reliable evidence that an unexpected and sudden occurrence did not occur

• If you have a claim-free history, have been with the insurer for many years, and have bundled insurance, you may be eligible for a discount.

• When an inexperienced adjuster approves a claim that should have been denied

• Suppose the homeowner is unreasonable and unyielding and refuses to accept the denial of their claim. This can make the insurance company feel that it's too much trouble, so they pay.

• Suppose you are benefiting from some form of great karma. A claim is paid without your knowledge.

No one enjoys hearing that a chimney flue or other costly repairs are necessary. Remember that using fraudulent activities to acquire anything covered by insurance that wouldn't otherwise be covered, such as starting a chimney fire, is illegal and not worth the money that could potentially be saved.

There is good news and bad news regarding the ability to file valid claims for chimney damage on your homeowner's insurance. Damage resulting from a sudden, unforeseen occurrence is typically covered. Generally, natural wear and tear are never covered by insurance. Your insurance policy, the company you are insured with, and the agent you work with on a claim will ultimately determine what your homeowner's insurance covers when your chimney requires repair.

Standard Chimney Problems Covered by Insurance

The two most common instances in which homeowners successfully file insurance claims for chimney damage are:

• First, the chimney's peak is struck by lightning and
• Two, a chimney fire breaks out and causes damage.

These two events share the characteristics of being sudden and unexpected.

Classifying Chimney Deterioration

Significant weather events can cause chimney damage that homeowner's insurance may cover. For example, if a tree falls on your property and ruins the chimney, the cost of repairs will be covered. Depending on your insurance policy, wind damage to the chimney is typically not covered.

The difficulty with chimney damage is that a significant portion of the damage cannot meet the requirements for being sudden and unexpected. For instance, if a chimney was in disrepair with missing mortar and crumbling bricks before it collapsed, its replacement is likely not covered. However, damage caused by the chimney's collapse, such as your patio, may be covered. Working with your insurance agent and reading the fine print can tremendously assist. Possessing an agent equally concerned with providing excellent customer service and saving money when possible is a plus. Still, one who is also focused on enhancing the company's reputation by being flexible with claims is preferable.

Protection against Chimney Fires

Chimney fires can cause considerable damage to both the chimney and the dwelling. It is not uncommon for a chimney fire's tremendous heat to cause damage to the flue. In this instance, replacement of the flue and all other forms of chimney repair is covered. On occasion, an insurance company will state that they will deny a claim because they are unhappy with the maintenance performed before the chimney fire. It is correct that improper maintenance of a chimney increases the chance of a dangerous chimney fire. Insurance companies rarely use a lack of maintenance as a justification to avoid paying for repairs.

To Pay or Not to Pay: Claims Secrets

Even if a homeowner's insurance policy is on paper, there is much wiggle area in establishing what is covered and what is not, including chimney-related issues. Here are a few insider recommendations regarding chimney-related claims that are paid but may have easily been denied:

• If there is no reliable evidence that an unexpected and sudden occurrence did not occur

• If you have a claim-free history, have been with the insurer for many years, and have bundled insurance, you may be eligible for a discount.

• When an inexperienced adjuster approves a claim that should have been denied

• Suppose the homeowner is unreasonable and unyielding and refuses to accept the denial of their claim. This can make the insurance company feel that it's too much trouble, so they pay.

• Suppose you are benefiting from some form of great karma. A claim is paid without your knowledge.

No one enjoys hearing that a chimney flue or other costly repairs are necessary. Remember that using fraudulent activities to acquire anything covered by insurance that wouldn't otherwise be covered, such as starting a chimney fire, is illegal and not worth the money that could potentially be saved.

There is good news and bad news regarding the ability to file valid claims for chimney damage on your homeowner's insurance. Damage resulting from a sudden, unforeseen occurrence is typically covered. Generally, natural wear and tear are never covered by insurance. Your insurance policy, the company you are insured with, and the agent you work with on a claim will ultimately determine what your homeowner's insurance covers when your chimney requires repair.

Standard Chimney Problems Covered by Insurance

The two most common instances in which homeowners successfully file insurance claims for chimney damage are:

• First, the chimney's peak is struck by lightning and
• Two, a chimney fire breaks out and causes damage.

These two events share the characteristics of being sudden and unexpected.

Classifying Chimney Deterioration

Significant weather events can cause chimney damage that homeowner's insurance may cover. For example, if a tree falls on your property and ruins the chimney, the cost of repairs will be covered. Depending on your insurance policy, wind damage to the chimney is typically not covered.

The difficulty with chimney damage is that a significant portion of the damage cannot meet the requirements for being sudden and unexpected. For instance, if a chimney was in disrepair with missing mortar and crumbling bricks before it collapsed, its replacement is likely not covered. However, damage caused by the chimney's collapse, such as your patio, may be covered. Working with your insurance agent and reading the fine print can tremendously assist. Possessing an agent equally concerned with providing excellent customer service and saving money when possible is a plus. Still, one who is also focused on enhancing the company's reputation by being flexible with claims is preferable.

Protection against Chimney Fires

Chimney fires can cause considerable damage to both the chimney and the dwelling. It is not uncommon for a chimney fire's tremendous heat to cause damage to the flue. In this instance, replacement of the flue and all other forms of chimney repair is covered. On occasion, an insurance company will state that they will deny a claim because they are unhappy with the maintenance performed before the chimney fire. It is correct that improper maintenance of a chimney increases the chance of a dangerous chimney fire. Insurance companies rarely use a lack of maintenance as a justification to avoid paying for repairs.

To Pay or Not to Pay: Claims Secrets

Even if a homeowner's insurance policy is on paper, there is much wiggle area in establishing what is covered and what is not, including chimney-related issues. Here are a few insider recommendations regarding chimney-related claims that are paid but may have easily been denied:

• If there is no reliable evidence that an unexpected and sudden occurrence did not occur

• If you have a claim-free history, have been with the insurer for many years, and have bundled insurance, you may be eligible for a discount.

• When an inexperienced adjuster approves a claim that should have been denied

• Suppose the homeowner is unreasonable and unyielding and refuses to accept the denial of their claim. This can make the insurance company feel that it's too much trouble, so they pay.

• Suppose you are benefiting from some form of great karma. A claim is paid without your knowledge.

No one enjoys hearing that a chimney flue or other costly repairs are necessary. Remember that using fraudulent activities to acquire anything covered by insurance that wouldn't otherwise be covered, such as starting a chimney fire, is illegal and not worth the money that could potentially be saved.

There is good news and bad news regarding the ability to file valid claims for chimney damage on your homeowner's insurance. Damage resulting from a sudden, unforeseen occurrence is typically covered. Generally, natural wear and tear are never covered by insurance. Your insurance policy, the company you are insured with, and the agent you work with on a claim will ultimately determine what your homeowner's insurance covers when your chimney requires repair.

Standard Chimney Problems Covered by Insurance

The two most common instances in which homeowners successfully file insurance claims for chimney damage are:

• First, the chimney's peak is struck by lightning and
• Two, a chimney fire breaks out and causes damage.

These two events share the characteristics of being sudden and unexpected.

Classifying Chimney Deterioration

Significant weather events can cause chimney damage that homeowner's insurance may cover. For example, if a tree falls on your property and ruins the chimney, the cost of repairs will be covered. Depending on your insurance policy, wind damage to the chimney is typically not covered.

The difficulty with chimney damage is that a significant portion of the damage cannot meet the requirements for being sudden and unexpected. For instance, if a chimney was in disrepair with missing mortar and crumbling bricks before it collapsed, its replacement is likely not covered. However, damage caused by the chimney's collapse, such as your patio, may be covered. Working with your insurance agent and reading the fine print can tremendously assist. Possessing an agent equally concerned with providing excellent customer service and saving money when possible is a plus. Still, one who is also focused on enhancing the company's reputation by being flexible with claims is preferable.

Protection against Chimney Fires

Chimney fires can cause considerable damage to both the chimney and the dwelling. It is not uncommon for a chimney fire's tremendous heat to cause damage to the flue. In this instance, replacement of the flue and all other forms of chimney repair is covered. On occasion, an insurance company will state that they will deny a claim because they are unhappy with the maintenance performed before the chimney fire. It is correct that improper maintenance of a chimney increases the chance of a dangerous chimney fire. Insurance companies rarely use a lack of maintenance as a justification to avoid paying for repairs.

To Pay or Not to Pay: Claims Secrets

Even if a homeowner's insurance policy is on paper, there is much wiggle area in establishing what is covered and what is not, including chimney-related issues. Here are a few insider recommendations regarding chimney-related claims that are paid but may have easily been denied:

• If there is no reliable evidence that an unexpected and sudden occurrence did not occur

• If you have a claim-free history, have been with the insurer for many years, and have bundled insurance, you may be eligible for a discount.

• When an inexperienced adjuster approves a claim that should have been denied

• Suppose the homeowner is unreasonable and unyielding and refuses to accept the denial of their claim. This can make the insurance company feel that it's too much trouble, so they pay.

• Suppose you are benefiting from some form of great karma. A claim is paid without your knowledge.

No one enjoys hearing that a chimney flue or other costly repairs are necessary. Remember that using fraudulent activities to acquire anything covered by insurance that wouldn't otherwise be covered, such as starting a chimney fire, is illegal and not worth the money that could potentially be saved.

There is good news and bad news regarding the ability to file valid claims for chimney damage on your homeowner's insurance. Damage resulting from a sudden, unforeseen occurrence is typically covered. Generally, natural wear and tear are never covered by insurance. Your insurance policy, the company you are insured with, and the agent you work with on a claim will ultimately determine what your homeowner's insurance covers when your chimney requires repair.

Standard Chimney Problems Covered by Insurance

The two most common instances in which homeowners successfully file insurance claims for chimney damage are:

• First, the chimney's peak is struck by lightning and
• Two, a chimney fire breaks out and causes damage.

These two events share the characteristics of being sudden and unexpected.

Classifying Chimney Deterioration

Significant weather events can cause chimney damage that homeowner's insurance may cover. For example, if a tree falls on your property and ruins the chimney, the cost of repairs will be covered. Depending on your insurance policy, wind damage to the chimney is typically not covered.

The difficulty with chimney damage is that a significant portion of the damage cannot meet the requirements for being sudden and unexpected. For instance, if a chimney was in disrepair with missing mortar and crumbling bricks before it collapsed, its replacement is likely not covered. However, damage caused by the chimney's collapse, such as your patio, may be covered. Working with your insurance agent and reading the fine print can tremendously assist. Possessing an agent equally concerned with providing excellent customer service and saving money when possible is a plus. Still, one who is also focused on enhancing the company's reputation by being flexible with claims is preferable.

Protection against Chimney Fires

Chimney fires can cause considerable damage to both the chimney and the dwelling. It is not uncommon for a chimney fire's tremendous heat to cause damage to the flue. In this instance, replacement of the flue and all other forms of chimney repair is covered. On occasion, an insurance company will state that they will deny a claim because they are unhappy with the maintenance performed before the chimney fire. It is correct that improper maintenance of a chimney increases the chance of a dangerous chimney fire. Insurance companies rarely use a lack of maintenance as a justification to avoid paying for repairs.

To Pay or Not to Pay: Claims Secrets

Even if a homeowner's insurance policy is on paper, there is much wiggle area in establishing what is covered and what is not, including chimney-related issues. Here are a few insider recommendations regarding chimney-related claims that are paid but may have easily been denied:

• If there is no reliable evidence that an unexpected and sudden occurrence did not occur

• If you have a claim-free history, have been with the insurer for many years, and have bundled insurance, you may be eligible for a discount.

• When an inexperienced adjuster approves a claim that should have been denied

• Suppose the homeowner is unreasonable and unyielding and refuses to accept the denial of their claim. This can make the insurance company feel that it's too much trouble, so they pay.

• Suppose you are benefiting from some form of great karma. A claim is paid without your knowledge.

No one enjoys hearing that a chimney flue or other costly repairs are necessary. Remember that using fraudulent activities to acquire anything covered by insurance that wouldn't otherwise be covered, such as starting a chimney fire, is illegal and not worth the money that could potentially be saved.