Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Gutter Damage?

Gutters are one of those things we rarely think about until they stop working. As water spills over the side, or the gutter separates from the house or becomes damaged, that is when we truly start paying attention. Gutters and their downspouts are almost as important as the roofs they feed from and–just like roofs–they can have a serious price tag attached to repairing or replacing them in the case of damage. The question is: will your homeowners insurance cover this replacement?

Homeowners Insurance Exclusions

Almost all homeowner’s policies are required to be “all-risk,” though the name can be deceptive. There are several types of damage caused to the house that are not covered on most homeowner’s policies, such as flood, earthquakes, or acts of war. Two particular exclusions stand out when concerning gutters: the gutters failing due to age, and damage caused to the gutters due to neglect.

Wear and Tear

If your gutter is simple falling apart due to age, it probably won’t be covered under your policy due to the wear-and-tear exclusion. Know the installation dates of your gutters and check to see if your gutter is suffering from rust or similar wear before submitting a claim.

Negligence

Is the damaged caused due to a problem you knew about or that was something you had to maintain? In this exception clause, if you gutters are stopped due to a lack of cleanings, the damage that is caused can be attributed to negligence, and will not be covered.

Damage to the House

If wear and tear or negligence causes damage to the house, especially its interior, that damage may also not be covered. Below are common complications due to having improperly working gutters that can lead to serious costs.

• Water Damage: if your gutters fill up, the water has to go somewhere. Water can seep under the roof and damage the interior of your home.
• Loosen Gutters: gutters are an addition to your home, and while securely fastened, the strain of a full trough of water can cause it to strain at its fastening and pull away from the house, damaging both.
• Ice Dams: if the water cannot drain properly, in the winter seasons this can lead to the formation of ice dams. As the water expands it freezes, and can push under the roof and siding, causes water damage within as it thaws.
• Vermin: a bed of leaves and twigs can become the perfect home for insects and rodents, from carpenter ants and termites, to chipmunks and squirrels. In such close proximity to your house’s interior, it’s only a matter of time before they dig their way in.

As a homeowner it’s important to understand the policy you have taken out on your house, as well as how the maintenance of your house can affect both your policy and your home. Taking a look at your policy is a lot like looking at your gutters, you might be surprised by what you find. If you want help going over your policy, or getting a policy to cover your home, car, or business, please contact H & K Insurance. We’ll help you find the best insurance, at a price that won’t wreck your rainy day fund.