Does home insurance cover structural damage?

That is a great question! Structural damage (damage to the load-bearing walls, foundation, or roof) is covered under your policy as long as it is caused by a covered peril. For example, a fire can cause devastating damage to a home and is covered.

However, many typical causes of structural damage are excluded from homeowners policies. Earthquakes and floods are the most common causes, and unless you have added coverage through an endorsement, you will not be covered for this type of loss. Tree roots and the natural settling, cracking, or shrinking of a foundation are also common exclusions that are never covered. Some policies may exclude foundation coverage altogether no matter what the loss is. This can depend on the state you live in, so it is very important to read over your policy exclusions to make sure you have the coverage that works best for you!