Is This Included in My Homeowners Insurance Coverage? 6 Surprising Things That May Not Be Covered

Many people think that their basic homeowners insurance policy will pay for any type of damage that happens to their home and the property inside it. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. So what does homeowners insurance not cover? These six surprising things may require added coverage on your policy.

1. Mold Requires Additional Coverage

Despite the fact that mold presents major health risks, many standard homeowners insurance policies limit coverage for mold damage or exclude it altogether. Of course, your best defense against the bacteria is to prevent it from growing in the first place. But this isn’t always possible. If you’re concerned about the mold risk in your home, talk to your Farm Bureau agent about additional homeowners coverage for fungi (which includes mold).

2. Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Sewer Backup

A sewer backup is never fun — whether it’s a pipeline that handles raw sewage becoming overwhelmed in a storm or line blockages due to tree roots. A simple fix, such as installing a sewer backflow valve, can help you stay ahead of a potential mess, but it’s also wise to consider adding sewer backup coverage to your homeowners policy. Why? Because although we can’t help you avoid the damage, we can help you minimize the expenses that come from it — by protecting your floors, furniture, electrical systems and more.  

3. A Home Business Requires Home-Based Business Coverage

Do you manage your real estate clients from your home office? Are you a freelance graphic designer working at your kitchen table? If you run a business out of your home, chances are that your standard homeowners policy will not cover a claim if your inventory were to catch fire, or if a customer were to slip and fall on your icy front stoop. Protect your home-based business by talking to your Farm Bureau agent about additional coverage and/or endorsements to your policy.

4. A Detached Property Is Considered an Add-On

When you think of homeowners insurance coverage, you probably think of everything in and around your property. That’s a common mistake, and one that could prove to be costly. Surrounding buildings on your property, such as sheds, casitas, treehouses or outbuildings are a few of the items that basic homeowners insurance does not cover. Check with your agent to see if acquiring additional property coverage is a smart move, especially if you have recently built a new structure on your property.

5. Termite Infestations Are Rarely Included

There’s a reason termites have a bad reputation. Termite colonies — from a few hundred to several million — can devastate the structural integrity of your home, causing expensive damage. Plus, their ability to go undetected for years means it’s difficult to get ahead of the damage. You can lower your risk by keeping paper, dead plants or wood away from the soil near your house, all food sources for termites; and make sure crawl spaces are ventilated and foundations are dry to prevent termites from getting water. Because termite damage is rarely covered under homeowners policies, arrange to have a licensed pest control company inspect and treat your home on a regular basis.

6. Jewelry and Fine Art Classify as Personal Property

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

Peace of mind is worth the added expense when it comes to protecting your most important investments. Schedule a SuperCheck with your Farm Bureau agent today to talk through any gaps in your current homeowner’s insurance coverage.