Your home foundation can be damaged in a myriad of ways. But not all of those ways are covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. 

Homeowner's insurance policies typically cover only foundation damage that occurs above the slab and is caused by covered perils such as fire, lightning, or water damage. Damage under the foundation slab, such as normal wear and tear, and poor upkeep aren’t covered. ***

A typical homeowners insurance policy covers damage caused by many risks. These covered perils are listed in the policy and coverage includes: 

1. fire

2. lightning

3. wind

4. water damage 

5. explosion

6. falling objects

7. damage from vehicles or aircraft

8. vandalism

A home foundation slab can be seriously damaged and compromised by covered losses such as a kitchen fire or a lightning strike. The home insurer will pay to repair the damage if your slab weakens and cracks due to a fire. A standard homeowners policy covers the loss to the home foundation. Unless the specific loss is excluded from the homeowner's policy, it is covered. Homeowner's policies will pay for covered structural damage, including the home foundation, up to the dwelling coverage limit listed on the homeowner's policy.

Homeowners' insurance policies will reimburse for the property damage after covered losses through the actual cost of replacement materials or replacement cost coverage. Most policyholders have replacement cost coverage for their home which does not factor in depreciation. (It is recommended that you review your covered losses in your policy before filing a claim.) 

 The  losses excluded for a home foundation include the following: 

1. wear and tear

2. uneven compacted soil beneath the foundation

3. water damage caused by poor drainage or leaks

4. ground collapse due to a sinkhole 

5. flood 

6. home foundation defects 

7. tree root damage

8. earthquakes 

9. riots or civil unrest

10. Some coverage for the home foundation may be acquired with endorsements or separate policies, such as for floods or earthquakes. Uneven soil or home foundation defects are never covered under the homeowner's policy. 

 11.  Foundation cracks are not covered by a homeowners insurance policy, either. These are considered wear and tear which is excluded. 

If you see foundation damage, hire a licensed contractor to inspect it. They will give you a detailed report which you can use to file a claim with your home insurer if you believe it is a covered loss listed in your policy. 

Your homeowner's policy insurer will read the contractor’s report. If the damage reported is covered by your policy, your home insurance company then sends a check for the repair cost, up to the homeowner's policy limits. If the claim is refused, the insurance company claim adjuster will send a letter stating the reason(s) for the denial of the claim. 

If you have questions about your homeowner’s policy, Lindquist Insurance can review your coverage with you and make sure your home is fully covered. Call (301) 694-0008 to speak to our experienced and licensed insurance agents for a consultation and quote. 

We serve the Annapolis, MD, and Frederick, MD areas. 

*** Typical homeowners policy losses covered in Maryland can be found on the Maryland Attorney General’s website .