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Understanding the Limits of Your Policy
Below are some of the common points of misunderstanding homeowners have regarding what isn’t covered in their policy.
What's Not Covered
Your Loss Must Be Sudden and Accidental
A homeowners insurance policy is for sudden and accidental losses: events that people cannot prevent. If your loss is something that’s developed slowly over time, it is not considered sudden and accidental. For example, a pipe or appliance leaking over a long period of time would NOT be considered sudden and accidental, while a burst pipe or the sudden failure of a water heater is.
Be Aware of Wear & Tear
Normal expected wear & tear is inevitable and not covered under your policy. Insurance is designed to protect you from unforeseen losses. If you have a roof that is 25 years old and needs to be replaced because of its age, it is not covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
It’s the same concept as car insurance. If you owned an automobile that had old tires and they were going bald, you would need to purchase new ones. It wouldn’t be covered under your car insurance.
Don’t Neglect Maintenance
If you notice something is wrong and don’t take corrective action to prevent further damage, the loss is not covered by your homeowners insurance policy. For example, if you notice a small water stain developing on your ceiling or wall, you can attempt to stop the area of the leak with calk, a waterproof filler and sealant. If you decided to do nothing and the water damage continues, it would not be covered.
Sub-Limits on Personal Property
A sub-limit is a cap that restricts how much an insurer will pay for specific categories of items, even though your overall coverage limit may be higher. For example: you may have coverage of up to $100,000 on personal property overall, but a sub-limit of $5,000 for the jewelry category.
Most homeowners insurance companies have sub limits on personal property depending on the peril. It’s important to understand what those limits are so you can decide how you want to manage that risk.
To continue the earlier example, if your valuable diamond necklace is stolen from your home, the insurance company would only reimburse you $5,000 for the loss, which may not be enough to cover the cost of the jewelry. It might be in your best interest to consider purchasing personal articles floater policy from another insurer for specific items that may exceed your sub-limit.
Removal of Trees that Fell Due to Wind
If a tree falls in your yard as a result of a windstorm, but does not hit the house or another covered structure, your insurance policy will not pay to remove the tree. However, if your tree falls and damages even a portion of a covered structure, there may be limited coverage to remove the tree from the property.
Vacant Homes
A standard homeowners policy (HO-3) is designed for owner-occupied homes only. If your property is vacant, used as an investment, or rented out, you’ll need a different policy type. Vacant homes carry higher risks – like theft, vandalism, or small losses that become major without someone there – and claims may be denied if you don’t have the correct coverage. HO-3 policies are only for owner-occupied homes and not intended for vacant homes or rental properties.
Surface Water Runoff
After heavy rains, some lawns collect or pool water in one location. If too much water accumulates in an area around your home, it may seep into the foundation and cause damage to your home. The damage would not be covered under your homeowners policy. So, if you notice your lawn has a tendency to pool in one location. It would be wise to contact a landscaping company for possible solutions.
Failure to Take Action After a Loss
If you experience a loss and fail to take reasonable actions to prevent further damage, your loss might not be covered. For example, if a tree falling creates a hole in your roof, it would be reasonable to expect you cover the hole with a tarp until it is repaired. If you left the damaged roof exposed, it would likely create a much larger interior loss and your failure to prevent the additional damage may not be covered.
Repairing or Discarding the Damage Before Your Inspection
While it is important that you take immediate steps to protect your property from further damage once you are aware of a loss, if you discard the part that caused the damage, gut the area, remove the damage, or make repairs before your inspection, this may prevent your insurance carrier from determining the cause and extent of your loss and could result in a denial of your loss.
Failure to Report a Claim in a Timely Manner
It is important to submit claims in a timely manner. The more time that passes, the more difficult it is for the adjuster to determine the cause of the loss, which is essential in determining if the loss is covered under your policy.
Material Misrepresentation
If you provide inaccurate information on your insurance application, your policy may be voided as soon as the company finds out – which is often while researching a claim. If the misrepresentation is material to the acceptance of the policy, the policy may be voided and any claims denied. This includes not admitting to prior losses, providing the incorrect occupancy type, and not disclosing existing damage to your home.
It might seem harmless not to be forthright about this information to get a better rate up front, but it’s definitely not worth it in the long run. Not only will your policy be voided and any claims be denied, it may impact your ability to find coverage with another insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get it, the details of insurance policies are complex. These answers to some of our most commonly asked questions should help make it a little easier.
See All FAQs
American Integrity offers a wide range of insurance policies to meet your individual needs. From maximum coverage to protection against essential risks, full-time residences to vacant properties, you can customize your insurance policy to best suit your home. Click here to learn about all the various coverage American Integrity has to offer.
Check your policy documents (you can view these online by logging into our Customer Portal for specific coverage details). You can also contact your agent to clarify what types of damage are covered under your policy. Typically, your policy covers damage from perils like fire, windstorms, and theft, but may exclude others like flooding unless you have additional coverage.
Yes! As your needs change, you can adjust your coverage to make sure you’re always fully protected. You can also add additional insureds, like a co-owner or spouse, who have a financial interest in your property. Talk to your agent to update your policy.
Click here to use our Agent Locator Tool! All we need is your zip code and we’ll give you a list of nearby agents to choose from.
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Don't Be Caught Unprepared: Understanding Hurricane Risks in Florida
Learn how to prepare for Florida’s hurricane risks and protect your home with affordable coverage options from American Integrity Insurance.
3/11/2025 1:43:08 PM
Living in Florida means enjoying sunshine and coastal beauty year-round — but also facing the realities of hurricanes and tornado season. With unpredictable weather and rising storm intensity, Florida homeowners must understand the risks and protect their properties with the right coverage, such as affordable Florida property insurance.
Many Homeowners Remain Uninsured
A 2024 Newsweek report states: cited data from the Insurance Information Institute showing that up to one in five Florida homeowners are uninsured due to rising premiums. Without proper coverage, these homeowners face devastating financial losses when hurricanes strike.
Protect Your Home with ValueGuard Property Insurance™
Basic Florida property insurance, such as American Integrity's ValueGuard Property Insurance™, offers essential financial protection for Florida homeowners. This flexible policy allows customers to customize coverage, including optional add-ons like flood insurance, to fit their needs and budgets.
ValueGuard Property Insurance™ also offers homeowners the flexibility to customize their policies with optional add-ons to enhance coverage according to their individual needs and preferences. This includes an optional flood insurance endorsement.
Prepare Your Home and Plan Ahead
- Reinforce your home’s roof and windows.
- Secure outdoor furniture and yard items.
- Build a family emergency plan and stay informed during hurricane season.
At American Integrity Insurance, we’re dedicated to helping Floridians protect what matters most — their homes, families, and peace of mind.
Learn more about ValueGuard Property Insurance™.
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