Understanding Home Insurance Coverage for Cracked Walls

Home insurance is designed to protect you against various unforeseen perils that can cause damage to your property. However, the coverage provided for cracked walls can vary depending on the underlying cause of the damage. This article will explore how different scenarios and causes of cracked walls can be handled under home insurance policies.

Causes of Cracked Walls and Their Insurance Coverage

When it comes to insurance claims, the primary concern is to determine the causa proxima, which is the direct and proximate cause of the damage. The specific coverage depends on whether the cause is covered by your insurance policy. Let's break down the different scenarios:

Sudden and Accidental Damage

If cracks in your walls are caused by a covered peril such as a burst pipe or a severe storm, your home insurance policy may cover the necessary repairs. These events are usually insured under standard home insurance policies, and the claim process is typically straightforward. For instance, if a pipe bursts due to excessive water pressure, this would be considered a covered peril under your home insurance policy, and you would be eligible for coverage.

Wear and Tear

In contrast, damage due to normal wear and tear, settling of the foundation, or poor maintenance is generally not covered by standard home insurance policies. These issues are more related to everyday wear of the home, including issues that might be the result of substandard materials or faulty designs. If the cracks are a result of wear and tear, your insurance company would likely deny the claim on the grounds of non-covered perils.

Erosion, Earthquakes, or Floods

Cracks caused by conditions like erosion, earthquakes, or floods fall under specific insurance add-ons. In these cases, you need to have a separate policy or an endorsement added to your home insurance policy to cover these events. For example, if an earthquake causes cracks in your walls, you would need to have earthquake insurance to be covered by your insurance provider.

Causes of Cracked Walls and Their Impact on Insurance Claims

The answer to whether insurance will cover the damage depends not only on the type of cracks but also on the causal proxima (the root cause) of the damage and the specific perils that are included in your policy. Here are a few more examples:

External Factors

The cracks were caused by an earthquake. If you have opted for earthquake coverage as an additional policy, then the cracks will be covered. Similarly, if the cracks were caused by a flood, and you have flood insurance, then the damage would be covered under that policy. The cracks were caused by heat following a fire in the home. In this case, fire and allied perils are covered under home insurance. Therefore, the policy would pay for the cracks resulting from the fire. The cracks were gradually happening over a period of time due to a faulty design or materials used. In this instance, home insurance will not pay for the damage. Most cracks fall into this category, as they are the result of issues that are not explicitly covered by the insurance policy.

Neighborly Issues

If the cracks were caused by a neighbor digging up their plot, your home insurance generally will not cover the claim. However, if the neighbor has taken a third-party liability policy for surrounding property damage, that policy will cover the damage.

Vehicular Damage

If the cracks were caused by a vehicle dashing against your wall, then the third-party insurance policy of the vehicle will pay. However, there are nuances to consider: The third-party insurance will only pay if the accident occurred in a public place. If the house is in a private compound, and you had permission for the vehicle to enter, the third-party insurer may refuse the claim. If the vehicle causing the damage also belongs to you, you cannot file a claim under both your vehicle insurance and home insurance. In this case, you would need to rely on the vehicle insurance policy to cover the damages.

Essential Steps for Understanding Home Insurance Coverage

It is crucial to thoroughly review your home insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. Each insurance policy has specific terms and conditions, and the coverage can vary significantly. To fully understand the limits and scope of your home insurance coverage for cracked walls, perform the following steps:

Review Your Policy Document: Carefully read through your policy document to understand the coverage details for different perils and damages. Consult Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to your insurance provider for any clarification regarding the coverage of cracked walls in your specific situation. Consider Additional Coverages: If your home is in an area prone to specific types of natural disasters, consider adding additional coverage such as earthquake or flood insurance.

Conclusion

Cracks in walls can be distressing and costly. The appropriate insurance coverage for these damages depends on the cause of the cracks and the specific terms of your home insurance policy. By understanding the concept of causa proxima and assessing the perils covered by your policy, you can better prepare for any potential damages and ensure you have the necessary coverage to protect your home.