A chimney is a dwelling from where the gases from the fireplace, wood stove or other heat burning appliances out of your home. They’re more common in older houses since newer construction has more efficient heating and insulation methods. Aesthetically, though, a chimney can add something extra to your home’s appearance. That’s why damage to chimney would cause a big problem to your house. Not sure whether your personal property policy protects your chimney and fireplace? It’s a big question for many people when disaster strikes. So, will your homeowners insurance cover a damaged chimney? Let’s find out.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Chimney Damage?
Your fireplace and chimney are part of your house, and most homeowner’s insurance plans will usually cover them. Yes, a typical homeowners insurance policy will cover damage to your chimney as long as the damage was caused by a natural disaster such as lightning strikes, fire damage, falling objects (like trees), and wind damage. The chimney is the often-highest point of the house which have the metal cap at top of it. These can attract lightning, which damages the chimney. Although chimney fires may be the result of some neglect of keeping your chimney clean. Chimney fires can happen without warning but still the insurance company will cover the fire damage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Chimney Repair?
Insurance companies see it as a homeowner’s responsibility to keep up with annual chimney inspections and needed cleanings and repairs. Your homeowner’s insurance will pay for the repair of your chimney, or replacement of a whole new chimney if needed, in addition to the clean-up and removal of involved debris, as long as your chimney got damaged by a covered peril. The policy covered repair of all parts of chimney like flue pipe, cap, crown, liner and more, if necessary. If the fire place which in inside of the house is also damaged then, this would be covered, too. It’s considered regular maintenance of chimney is your responsibility as a houseowner it is not any insurance company responsibility.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Chimney Leaks?
Leaks are one of the most common issues homeowners have to deal with over the life of their fireplace. If leak damage is minor then the policy will not cover it. For example, for example, a lightning strike can destroy the cap or crown of your chimney and can cause water to start leaking in through the uncovered opening at the top. If you notice this damage then you should call the insurance company. Similarly, if a leak was caused by water coming through cracked bricks over time or some hole in your flashing, you may not receive coverage since the damage wasn’t sudden or accidental. This is why it’s important to get regular inspections and cleanings of your chimney.
Collapse of Chimney
A stack of bricks or stone collapsing (and falling from your roof to the ground) may seem sudden to you. The event is certainly dangerous and shocking, especially if people were standing nearby when it happened. but sudden collapse of chimney will not be covered by any insurance company because it is a structural damage by if the chimney collapses due to any unexpected external force, like a tornado, then your homeowner’s insurance would most likely cover it.
