late , after asquirrelsomehow apparently fell down a lamp chimney into an Atlanta home , the animal come up up the floor , manducate the baseboards , window and door frames , and damaged a lounge , harmonise to anNBC News account . The result of the bushy - tailed rodent ’s rampage was at least $ 15,000 in calculate damages .
When thehomeowners submit a call , however , the policy company resist it , on the grounds that the policy did n’t cover squirrel damage , NBC reported .
It ’s probably not the first meter that homeowners have learned , to their alarm , that there are things that can happen to their homes that theirhomeowners insurancepolicies do n’t cover up .
" firing is the basic coverage cater by an insurance policy,“Janet Ruizexplains via electronic mail . She ’s director for strategic communication at theInsurance Information Institute , an industry group . " Other vulgar risk are body of water damage , larceny , wind and financial obligation . Earthquake and flood normally require a freestanding insurance policy . In some states you may add earthquake coverage as an endorsement . It is important to discuss the risk you face and buy the proper reporting . "
Just so you ’ll be forewarned , here are eight other risk , besides damage from an invading squirrel , for which you probably are n’t insured .
1. Floods
Damage cause by flooding is eject under standard homeowners insurance policy policies , according to the institute’sprimer on what disaster are extend by insurance . That ’s why it ’s prudent to hold inundation insurance policy , either from a private insurance underwriter or through the U.S. government’sNational Flood Insurance Program .
2. Earthquakes
When a5.8 magnitude earthquakein Virginia shook the U.S. east coast in 2011 , it causedas much as $ 300 million in lossesand varying degree of damage to 600 residences . Many of the owner may have been mortify to get wind that their homeowners insurance did n’t cover the cost of rectify the harm to their house . insurance coverage for earthquakes , which can damage foundation and collapse wall , requires a separate insurance , though a received householder policy in the main will enshroud damage from fires triggered by quakes , according to the institute .
3. Sewer Backups
Sewer backups can be pretty messy , and they ’re not covered either by homeowners insurance insurance or flood reportage , harmonize to the institute . Instead , you ’ll involve to buy additionalsewer reportage .
4. Maintenance Damage
Maintenance damage . Homeowners policies do n’t cover damage induce to your home by your neglect of basic maintenance , according to the institute . Similarly , you ’re not covered if your house becomes infest by termites and other pests , or develops mold . ( Here ’s a guide from the institute onhow to protect your home against clay sculpture . )
5. Backyard Trampolines and Pools
Sure , they ’re fun . But according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners , both trampoline and pools are dangerous enough that some companies may not insure your dimension if you have them , or else may turf out liability for any injuries associate to them . They also may even cancel your insurance policy if you do n’t inform them when you get a trampoline or a pool , or do n’t follow the policy ’s safety rule of thumb .
6. Dog Attacks
If your family deary bite a visitor , you ’re typically covered for sound indebtedness up to your policy ’s indebtedness limit — usually $ 100,000 — according to the institute . The average hotdog bite claim is around $ 39,000 , so you should be okay . But it ’s a bigger job if you own a stock with a reputation for being belligerent , because some insurance companieswon’t cover youat all .
7. Really Expensive Jewelry
Typically , homeowners ' insurance policy place a limit on how much bling they ’ll compensate — usually around $ 1,500 , consort to the institute’sarticleon jewellery and other valuables . If you ’ve got a pile of costly rings or necklace , you ’ll desire to consider produce a floater policy , which cover any sort of loss , include dropping your ring down a drainage . That ’ll take you to get the item appraised professionally .
8. Your Stuff in Someone Else’s Basement
If you ’ve got a supporter or neighbor who allows you to stash away some of your self-possession in his or her cellar , you could misplace out in the effect of a disaster , harmonize to Amy Bach , executive director ofUnited Policyholders , a California - based consumer advocacy group . That person ’s insurer is n’t going to cover your passing , since you ’re not the householder . " You ’d have to endeavor to collect money from your friend , " Bach says .
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