It’s easy to assume your homeowners insurance covers just about anything that could go wrong. After all, that’s often why we buy insurance in the first place: to help protect us against the unexpected.
But when something actually happens, and you need to file a claim, the fine print really starts to matter. To help demystify what homeowners insurance doesn’t cover, here’s a breakdown of common exclusions, plus ways to help fill in coverage gaps.
Why homeowners insurance doesn’t cover everything
Homeowners insurance covers a lot of issues, but it’s not intended to cover every situation. Generally speaking, it’s designed to protect against sudden, unexpected events, such as fire, theft, or falling objects.
A standard homeowners policy typically includes coverage for your home’s structure and your belongings, plus liability protection if someone is injured on your property or you’re responsible for damage to someone else’s property.
That said, there are limits to what’s covered. Some types of damage may only be partially covered, while others aren’t included at all. In some cases, you may be able to add extra coverage, either through a separate policy or a policy add-on, often called a rider or endorsement.
While adding coverage to your policy may increase the cost of your premiums, it may help you avoid higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of a loss.
Common exclusions in homeowners insurance
Anything your policy doesn’t cover is considered an exclusion. Understanding these exclusions can help you better prepare for potential gaps in coverage.
Here are some of the most common policy exclusions.
Flood damage
While standard homeowners insurance policies usually cover certain types of unexpected water damage, like a frozen pipe or a plumbing issue, they don’t cover damage caused by flooding or rising water. However, flood insurance is available as a separate policy through private insurers or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Typically, your insurance agent can help you navigate your options and find a policy that fits your needs.
According to FEMA, flooding is one of the most common and costly disasters in the U.S., causing more than $8 billion in damage in 2024 alone. Even just five inches of water can lead to about $25,000 or more in damage. Because of that, buying a separate flood policy may be worth considering, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
In some cases, you may even be required to have flood insurance. For example, if your home is located in a special flood hazard area (SFHA) and you have a government-backed mortgage, your lender may require you to purchase flood insurance. That said, taking the time to see whether your home is in a flood zone can give you a better idea of whether you need this type of extra coverage.
Read more: How much does flood insurance cost in every state?
Earthquake and earth movement damage
Another natural disaster that’s usually excluded from coverage is damage from earthquakes or other types of earth movement. This can include events like earthquakes, landslides, or sinkholes. However, you may be able to purchase separate earthquake insurance to help cover damages.
Unlike flood insurance, buying earthquake coverage isn’t typically required. However, in places like California, state law requires insurance companies (often through the California Earthquake Authority) to offer it to policyholders as an add-on to their homeowners insurance policies.
While it’s easy to assume earthquake risk is limited to places like California, many other areas across the U.S. have experienced earthquakes and can still experience them. So, depending on where you live, this type of risk may be more relevant than you think.
To determine if adding earthquake coverage makes sense, you can review the fault line map from the United States Geological Survey and speak with your insurance agent to explore options.
Water backup damage
Homeowners insurance policies usually don’t cover damage caused by water backups or sump pump malfunctions. This type of damage often happens during heavy rain, plumbing issues, or when a sump pump fails, and it can lead to water entering your basement or lower levels of your home.
Many insurance providers offer water backup coverage as an add-on to your policy, usually called a rider or endorsement. While adding this coverage can increase your monthly premium, it helps cover damage to your home and belongings if a drain, sewer, or sump pump overflow occurs.
Mold damage
Damage from mold, mildew, wet or dry rot, or other types of fungi is usually not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, since insurers often consider it the result of ongoing issues or a lack of maintenance.
However, there are some exceptions. If mold is caused by a covered event, like sudden water damage from a burst pipe or appliance leak, your policy may help cover the damage.
In some cases, adding coverage for sewer or water backup, or equipment breakdown, may help cover the type of water damage that can lead to mold. However, remember that taking steps to prevent moisture buildup in and around your home is often one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of mold.
Neglect, maintenance, and wear-and-tear damage
Because homeowners insurance is designed to cover the unexpected, things like normal wear and tear or poor maintenance are usually not covered.
Let’s say your air conditioner stops working after 15 years of use. In this case, you’re typically responsible for repairing or replacing it. Like other items in your home, the AC would only be covered if the damage resulted from a covered event, such as a fire, theft, or vandalism.
The same idea also applies to ongoing problems. If something in your home needs repair and isn’t addressed, any resulting damage may not be covered. For example, if a small leak goes unnoticed and ends up causing damage over time, your insurance company may deny the claim.
A good rule of thumb is to keep up with routine maintenance, maintain thorough records of repairs and upkeep, and address issues early to help reduce the risk of uncovered damage.
Pest damage
Pests and infestations, like termites, rodents, bedbugs, bats, or bees, are typical issues many homeowners have to face. While these problems are common, they are usually not covered by homeowners insurance.
Because damage from pests often develops over time, insurers typically consider it preventable with routine maintenance and pest control. Therefore, as the homeowner, you’re generally responsible for both the damage and the cost of removing the infestation.
On the other hand, there may be a few exceptions depending on the details of your policy. For example, some insurers may cover wildlife damage. So, if your home is damaged by wildlife, like a deer running into your fence and knocking it over, your policy may cover it up to your policy limits.
Business property and home-based businesses
Working from home or running a home-based business can be convenient, but the items you use for your business may fall outside the limits of your homeowners insurance coverage.
Homeowners insurance typically provides only a limited amount of coverage for business-related property, such as a desk or a small amount of inventory. If you have more valuable items, like electronics, equipment, or large amounts of inventory, or if you regularly see clients in your home, you may need additional coverage.
Some insurers offer add-ons or endorsements for home-based businesses. You may also consider separate coverage, such as an in-home business policy or a business owner’s policy (BOP), depending on your needs.
As for liability, homeowners insurance generally covers personal liability, not business-related claims.
Government action damage
Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover damage caused by government actions. In other words, if a government entity damages, destroys, or takes your home or belongings, your policy usually won’t cover the loss.
For example, if a government agency orders your home to be demolished for safety reasons or takes your property for public use, the damage typically falls outside the coverage of a standard homeowners policy.
Intentional damage
The personal liability coverage included in a homeowners policy does not cover intentional acts. Generally speaking, homeowners insurance is designed to protect against sudden, unexpected accidents, not damage or injuries caused intentionally.
For example, if you intentionally push someone during a fight and they’re injured, your policy will most likely not cover medical bills or legal costs related to the incident. The same holds true for property damage. If you deliberately break something, such as a neighbor’s valuable vase, your insurance typically won’t cover the cost of replacing it.
Simply put, homeowners insurance is meant to cover accidents, not intentional harm.
Power failure damage
If your power goes out due to an issue outside your home, like a large-scale blackout or a problem with your utility company, any resulting damage is typically not covered. That said, if the outage is caused by an issue on your property, such as an electrical fire, your policy may still apply.
Some insurance providers may offer add-ons, like food spoilage coverage, to help fill this gap, but coverage is usually limited.
Ordinance or law (building code upgrades)
Whether you’re repairing or rebuilding after damage, homeowners insurance may not fully cover the cost of bringing your home up to current building codes.
For example, let’s say a tornado sweeps through your neighborhood and damages your home. Your homeowners insurance may cover the cost to repair what was damaged. But if local building codes now require updates, such as replacing all the electrical wiring throughout the home, your insurer may not pay for those extra upgrades.
Because building codes can change over time, these required updates can make repairs more costly. With this in mind, some insurers offer ordinance or law coverage as a policy add-on, which may be worth considering, especially if you have an older home.
War and nuclear hazards
Events like war or nuclear incidents are not usually covered by homeowners insurance. This includes damage caused by war, nuclear hazards, or related government actions.
Some damage related to acts of terrorism may be covered. For example, if a terrorist act results in a fire or explosion, your homeowners insurance policy may still help cover the damage, depending on your policy.
Vacancy or unoccupied homes
If you enjoy traveling or have multiple homes and leave your primary residence unoccupied for an extended period of time, your homeowners insurance may not cover damage that occurs while you’re away.
In many cases, if your home is left vacant for over 30, 60, or 90 days, your coverage may be limited or excluded. This is usually because there’s a higher risk of damage going unnoticed when no one is there to monitor the property.
If you plan to be away for an extended period, it may be worth reviewing your policy and speaking with your insurance provider to see what extra coverage options are available, such as vacant home insurance.
Pet liability and breed restrictions
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of a dog bite claim was $65,450 in 2025.
While most homeowners insurance policies include liability coverage for pets if they injure someone or cause damage to someone else’s property, this coverage can come with limitations.
Some dog breeds may be excluded from coverage, along with certain exotic pets or farm animals. The specific breeds that are excluded vary by insurer but often include pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds.
In some cases, a carrier may also limit or deny coverage for future claims if a dog has a history of biting, even if the breed is not typically considered high risk.
High-value item (jewelry limits)
Although homeowners insurance typically includes coverage for personal belongings, high-value items like jewelry or antiques often have lower coverage limits, known as sub-limits.
For example, jewelry coverage is usually capped at around $1,500 for certain types of losses, depending on your policy. If your valuables are worth more than those limits, your policy may not fully cover the loss.
In that case, you may need additional coverage, such as a scheduled personal property endorsement, to protect these items better. This can help give you peace of mind knowing that if something valuable, like a family heirloom necklace, is lost or stolen, your insurance can help cover it up to the agreed amount.
How to fill in the coverage gaps
Even though homeowners insurance doesn’t cover everything, there are a few ways you can help fill in some of the coverage gaps, such as:
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Add endorsements or riders: Many insurers offer add-ons that can help extend your coverage for issues like sewer or water backup or increased limits for high-value items.
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Purchase separate policies: Some risks, like flooding or earthquakes, usually require you to purchase a separate policy.
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Regularly review your policy: Setting aside time to understand what your policy does and doesn’t include can help you avoid coverage surprises later on. Since your needs can change over time, it’s a good idea to review your policy regularly and update it as needed.
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Talk to your insurance provider: An insurance agent can help walk you through your options and find coverage that makes sense for your home and needs.
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Set aside funds for unexpected costs: Having extra savings set aside for out-of-pocket expenses can help cover gaps your insurance doesn’t. It can also help you pay your deductible, which you’re responsible for before your coverage kicks in.
What does home insurance not cover? FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
No, homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover damage caused by floods or rising water. If you live in an area at risk for flooding or want added protection, you may need to purchase separate flood insurance. In some cases, such as if you have a government-backed mortgage, your lender may require it. An insurance agent can help walk you through your options and find a policy that fits your needs.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage?
Yes, in many cases, homeowners insurance will cover roof damage caused by unexpected events, such as severe weather or debris (up to policy limits). But if the damage happens over time due to aging or lack of upkeep, it’s typically excluded. Reviewing your policy can help you understand what’s included and help you avoid surprises down the road.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold?
In most cases, no, but there are a few exceptions. While mold is usually not covered, your homeowners insurance may help pay for repairs or replacements if it’s caused by a covered event, like sudden water damage from a burst pipe. Mold caused by ongoing issues or poor maintenance is typically not covered.
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