A Homeowner’s Policy Does Not Cover All Fires

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

A home fire in Rocky Top, TN.

A Homeowner's Insurance Policy Does Not Cover All Types of Fires.

When it comes to a home fire, the fine print in your policy is your insurer’s friend. It describes the items and circumstances excluded from your fire coverage. They may use fine print to save paper. They may hope it’s too small for you to read. Look at your policy and decide for yourself. One fact you can be sure of is that the fine print is in policies everywhere, not just those in Rocky Top, TN.
Imagine having a fire where your insurer denied your claim. It would be a financial disaster that could drive you into bankruptcy. Imagine being in this situation:

• There would be no money for home repairs or replacement.
  
• There would be no money to replace the contents and personal items.
  
• There would be no money for relocation expenses.
  
• Mortgage payments would still be due.
  
• You would be homeless.
  

Naturally, you would appeal the decision and take them to court if necessary. There are two common reasons for denial of the claim.

Insurers Don’t Cover Fires Started by Arsonists

Many people find themselves upside down on their home mortgages. They can’t afford to keep their home, and they can’t afford to sell it. They are stuck. They fantasize about a home fire solving their problem. They would be happy to let the insurance company deal with it.
Sometimes, people will take that fantasy a step further and cause the fire. That is arson and is illegal. It gives the insurer a reason to deny the claim.

A Standard Policy Will Not Cover a Vacant Home Fire

Insurers typically consider a home vacant if unoccupied for 30 days or more. If someone regularly checks on it, is it vacant? If renovations are underway during the daytime, is it vacant? Could an insurer consider your home vacant? If so, be safe and buy a policy endorsement that covers this situation.
After a home fire, you want to recover as quickly as possible. There are fire restoration professionals nearby, ready to come to the rescue. They are here to help.