8 Surprising Things Your Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover

What does homeowners insurance cover — and what does it exclude? Many people assume that their basic homeowners insurance policy will pay for any type of damage that happens to their home and the property inside it — and that assumption can lead to unfortunate surprises. In fact, there are a number of different risks and circumstances that may be among your homeowners insurance exclusions.

Common Exclusions to Homeowners Insurance

Before you assume you have the coverage you need, get to know the details of your specific policy to ensure your property is covered the right way at the right time. Not every potential hazard to your home is automatically covered by homeowners insurance. Knowing what your policy covers — as well as your homeowners insurance exclusions — can help you protect you against risk. Read on to find out what a standard homeowner insurance policy may not cover, and how you can add coverage to your policy.

1. Mold

Mold is an eyesore and a health risk, but many standard homeowners insurance policies either limit coverage for mold damage or downright exclude it. If you’re concerned about the mold risk in your home, talk to your Farm Bureau agent about extra coverage for fungi (which includes mold) that is provided in your policy.

2. Sewer Backup

A sewer backup can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes new homes are connected to outdated lines, and other times pipelines that handle both storm water and raw sewage can become overwhelmed in a storm. Or blockages can occur as a result of interjected tree roots. Anyone can find themselves with an unexpected sewer backup. 

One way you can avoid a potential mess is by taking steps such as installing a sewer backflow valve. But if your homeowners policy excludes sewer backup, then it may be time to add sewer backup coverage to your policy. We can’t help you avoid the damage, but we can help you minimize the expenses that come from it by protecting your floors, furniture, electrical systems and more. 

3. Home Business

If you run a business out of your home, you’re open to a number of risks, such as inventory catching fire or a customer slipping and falling on an icy front stoop. Your standard homeowners policy may not cover a claim related to a business operated out of your home. Whether you have a side business as a traveling beauty consultant or you work as a website programmer from the garage, extra coverage can help you protect your home-based business.

4. Termite Infestation

Termites can be a huge problem for homeowners, so if you’re wondering whether your insurance covers termites, you’re not alone. Colonies from a few hundred to several million can devastate the structural integrity of your home. Sagging floors, walls and ceilings are common examples of termite damage. These pests cause billions of dollars in damage per year, and they can go undetected for years — a truly unsettling thought. 

There are ways to lower your risk, like keeping paper, dead plants and wood — all food sources for termites — away from the soil near your house. You can also make sure crawl spaces are ventilated and foundations are dry to prevent termites from getting water. However, homeowners policies often exclude termite damage, so it’s important to arrange to have a licensed pest control company inspect and treat your home on a regular basis.

5. Detached Property

Surrounding buildings on your property, such as sheds, treehouses and outbuildings, can be subject to a limit on your basic policy. If you have recently built an additional structure on your property, contact your agent to determine if additional property coverage should be applied.

6. Jewelry, Fine Art and Rare Collections

Special personal property insurance (also called Inland Marine Coverage) is a way to protect your most valuable items — things like jewelry, fine art and other collectibles. Although you may have coverage for these belongings with your standard policy, limitations may apply, especially for the high-value items. This special coverage can increase the standard limits of your current policy to insure the full appraised value of your property.

7. Dogs

Different breeds of dogs may or may not affect your homeowners insurance. Breeds that often require the pet owner to purchase extra coverage include, but are not limited to, Akitas, Chow Chows, Dobermans and Siberian Huskies. If you have one of these breeds or another that you think might affect your homeowners insurance coverage, talk with your Farm Bureau agent to learn more about how your pet could affect your policy. And if you’re only considering adding a pet to the family, take in these considerations, as well.

8. Earthquakes and Floods

Earthquake and flood damage are often among the categories excluded in typical homeowners or renters insurance. Earthquake coverage and flood insurance can be purchased separately from your main homeowners policy. This is particularly important to have if you live near a fault line or flood-prone area but keep in mind major natural disasters can have a far-reaching impact. Ask yourself if you can afford the cost of rebuilding or repairing your home if it’s damaged by a natural disaster. If not, talk to your agent and consider buying additional coverage. 

Protect Your Investments

Peace of mind is worth the extra pennies when it comes to protecting your largest investments. Schedule a SuperCheck with your Farm Bureau agent today to talk through any gaps that may exist in your current homeowners insurance coverage.