Cracks. If you're lucky, they'll start small and stay that way. But cracks have a tendency to get bigger and multiply. If you're noticing cracks on your walls, they could signify structural damage.

Although a few cracks here are there rarely signify a house on the verge of collapse, it's wise to get the structural integrity of your home inspected to make sure you don't have any foundation issues.

But what is the recourse for wall cracks? Will your home insurance policy cover cracked walls? Here's what you need to know about home insurance for wall cracks, with some help from

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What causes cracks in walls?

Before you try making a claim, you need to determine what is causing the cracks in your walls. Here are a few potential culprits:

Wet soil

Dry soil

Earthquakes

Mudslides

Tornados

Faulty construction

Tree roots

Plumbing leaks

Earth movement

If you want to pinpoint the source of your foundation problem, you'll need to hire a professional to inspect your home and make an assessment. While this will come at a cost, it will be your best tool to know whether you can get your insurance company to cover the repair or replacement cost. If it is indeed something they will cover, the report might also help you during the claims process.

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Home insurance liability coverage

When will my insurance company cover cracked walls?

So, are cracks in foundation covered by insurance? The odds of your homeowners insurance coverage paying out for cracked walls is slim, but not impossible.

If the damage to your walls was caused by a covered peril on your homeowners insurance policy, it would be covered. However, it is important to note that covered perils are limited to unexpected and unavoidable occurrences, namely, fires, inclement weather, and

criminal activity

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When will my insurance company not cover cracked walls?

Although your insurance policy's listed perils are reserved for unexpected and unpreventable occurrences, that does not mean it covers every unexpected and unpreventable occurrence. In fact, most standard homeowners policies do not cover damages caused by earthquakes or

floods

, some of the most likely perils to damage your home's foundation and cause wall cracks. Therefore, if you want protection from these perils, you'll have to buy additional coverage.

Homeowners insurance rarely pays for foundation repair because most foundation damage is due to

gradual wear

and the foundation shifting over time. Homeowners insurance does not cover maintenance costs or damages due to neglect or age. It is the homeowner's responsibility to keep an eye on the condition of their foundation and execute the proper maintenance to prevent major damage from occurring.

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How much does a foundation problem cost to repair?

The costs of fixing a foundation problem can vary depending on severity. The prices can start as low as $500 for minor patching and crack repairs but can go as high as tens of thousands of dollars for major structural and underpinning repairs.

How can I avoid foundation problems?

While it can be impossible to prevent the ground from shifting, you can reduce your risk of suffering a foundation problem by getting a home inspection before moving into a new home. This is a crucial step to ensure the foundation of the house is in good shape.

And last but not least, you should address cracks as soon as possible. The longer a potential foundation problem goes unchecked, the more severe it can become.

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The 16 perils of home insurance

How can I get the best home insurance?

Cracks in foundation might be covered fairly comprehensively, but you might need proper home insurance to make sure you're properly safe. For the best rate, try bundling home and

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by using the

Jerry

app. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.

And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.

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