It has been a while since you’ve inspected the outside of your home. You figure that’s okay; you’ve got homeowners insurance if anything should happen. Besides, nothing seems off- no water damage inside or other visible concerns so you feel no sense of urgency to inspect your roof, siding, or take a closer look at those overhanging tree limbs in the backyard. Life gets busy, but neglecting the state of your home can be costly if you put off routine maintenance.
Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Neglect
You may have heard that homeowners insurance does not always cover all damages that may occur in your home, and this is especially true if the insurance company discovers that neglect is the cause. For example, it’s early spring, and you find water damage on the interior walls of your house. It’s determined that the cause is from gutters clogged with debris that was never cleared in the fall, which resulted in ice dams backing up during the winter and then melting. With no place to drain, the water infiltrated the home, causing significant damage. Unfortunately, your insurance company may deny your claim since the ice dams were a direct result of failure to keep the gutters cleared. Furthermore, if you fail to address the water damage in a timely manner and mold growth results, you could also be on the hook for those repair costs as well.
Putting off repairs and neglecting maintenance can cost you a lot more than just time and money; it could also impact your coverage. Insurance companies are increasingly conducting random exterior inspections, including with the use of drone equipment, to ensure that homeowners are keeping up on home maintenance.
What are insurance companies looking for?
Insurance companies are looking to ensure that homeowners are keeping up with standard maintenance and repairs before neglected tasks put the homeowner at risk. Commonly observed items include:
- Condition of roof – cracked or missing shingles, signs of deterioration
- Moss or mildew on siding or roof
- Peeling paint
- Rotted wood on decks and/or porches
- Cracks in the foundation
- Large tree limbs overhanging the home, garage or other structures such as a shed
They may also be looking for things like excessive debris in your yard or other hazards like an unfenced pool or a large trampoline that may be a liability risk.
What Happens If a Random Inspection Uncovers an Issue?
If your insurance company conducts a random inspection and discovers an issue, a representative will contact you with their findings. The carrier will request that repairs are made and usually give the homeowner 60 days to resolve. Failure to do so may result in higher premiums or your insurance company may decide not to renew your coverage altogether.
How Can I Best Protect My Home?
Prevention is key. The best way to protect your home is to schedule regular maintenance, whether it be annual gutter cleaning or roof inspections. Some things you may be able to observe yourself, and others may be worthwhile to hire a professional. If at any time you discover damage to your home like a water leak, don’t put off repairs. Delaying repairs can make the damage much worse, leading to significantly higher costs and even put your insurability at risk.
Talk to a Brooks, Todd & McNeil Agent
If you have questions about your coverage or would like a review of your existing policies, contact one of our experienced agents today. We can help walk through your options and make sure there are no coverage gaps that leave you and your home vulnerable.
About the Author
Stephen G. Todd, CPCU CIC is owner, President and CEO of Brooks, Todd & McNeil, bringing more than three decades of experience across underwriting, claims, and agency leadership. He began his career with Travelers Insurance Company, where he held roles in Home Office Finance, National Account Claims litigation, before serving as a commercial lines underwriter with American States Insurance Company. Since joining Brooks, Todd & McNeil in 1991, Stephen has led key operational areas and helped drive innovation, including the development of the insurance industry’s first real-time personal lines comparative rating system. A recognized industry leader, he has served on numerous carrier advisory councils and remains actively involved in both professional and community organizations.
About Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Since 1839, the independent agents at Brooks, Todd & McNeil have been pleased to offer our community policies from a variety of providers. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today at (800) 448-4567.