Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Restoration Work? Here’s What You Need to Know

After property damage strikes—whether from fire, water, mold, or storms—one of the first questions homeowners ask is: “Will my insurance cover this?” The answer is: it depends. Navigating your homeowners insurance policy can be confusing, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of damage to your home or business. Never fear... We can help!

At CareFree Restoration, we work with homeowners every day to get their properties restored and their lives back on track. In this guide, we’ll break down how homeowners' insurance typically applies to restoration work, what’s covered, what’s not, and how to make sure you’re prepared when disaster hits.

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect against unexpected, sudden events—things like fires, storms, or pipe bursts—not long-term wear and tear or negligence.

Commonly Covered Perils:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Water damage from burst pipes or appliance malfunctions
• Wind or hail damage from storms
• Vandalism or theft
• Fallen trees (if they damage a structure)
• Lightning strikes

💡 Note: If the event was sudden and accidental, chances are good it will be covered.

What’s Usually Not Covered:

• Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
• Earthquakes (also typically needs separate coverage)
• Sewer backups (unless specifically added to your policy)
• Mold from long-term leaks or neglect
• Damage caused by lack of maintenance

📊 Stat to Know: According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, about 1 in 20 insured homes has a claim each year, with water damage and freezing accounting for nearly 24% of those claims.

💧 Water Damage: One of the Most Confusing Claims

Water damage is one of the most common—and complicated—insurance issues. Coverage depends on the source and cause of the water.

Typically Covered:

• A burst pipe
• A failed water heater or appliance
• Accidental overflow from a sink or tub

Not Covered:

• Gradual leaks
• Water seepage from the ground
• Flooding from outside (rain, rising rivers, etc.)

🛠️ Pro Tip: If you experience water damage, act fast. Insurance companies often deny claims if the damage is seen as preventable due to homeowner neglect.

🔥 Fire and Smoke Damage: Usually Fully Covered

The good news: most standard homeowners' policies cover fire and smoke damage in full, including structural repairs, cleanup, and even temporary housing.

Coverage Often Includes:

• Structural repairs
• Debris removal
• Smoke and soot cleaning
• Replacement of personal belongings
• Additional living expenses (e.g., hotels, food)

🔥 Fact: According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average fire claim exceeds $83,000—making restoration a job best left to certified professionals working closely with your insurer.

🌱 Mold: A Gray Area in Insurance Coverage

Mold is one of the trickiest restoration issues. It’s only covered if caused by a covered peril (like a burst pipe), and not if it results from neglect.

Example:

• Mold caused by a sudden pipe break = Usually Covered
• Mold from a slow leak under a sink = Usually Not Covered

🧾 Important Tip: Many insurers cap mold coverage at $5,000–$10,000, unless you’ve purchased additional riders. Check your policy carefully, and contact us for your Mold Restoration Services.

📑 How to File a Successful Restoration Claim

When disaster strikes, every decision matters. Here’s how to give your claim the best chance of success:

Step-by-Step:

1. Call Your Insurance Company Immediately
   Most policies require prompt reporting. Delays can lead to denial.
2. Document Everything
   Take photos, videos, and write down dates and damage details.
3. Protect Against Further Damage
   Take temporary steps like tarping a roof or shutting off water to prevent worsening conditions.
4. Hire a Restoration Professional Who Works with Insurance
   Companies like CareFree Restoration work directly with your adjuster and ensure the scope of work aligns with what insurance will approve.
5. Keep All Receipts
   Hotel stays, meals, emergency repairs—these may be reimbursable under Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage.

💬 Real-World Stat: A J.D. Power study found that 95% of homeowners who filed property claims received a payout, but satisfaction was highest when restoration contractors worked directly with insurance adjusters.

🧠 Bonus: Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

• Does my policy cover mold remediation?
• What is my deductible for fire or water damage?
• Is sewer backup or sump pump failure included?
• Do I have coverage for temporary housing or lost rental income?
• Should I add a flood or earthquake rider?

Final Thoughts

Understanding what your insurance policy covers before disaster strikes can make all the difference. At CareFree Restoration, we specialize in guiding clients through the insurance process—handling paperwork, adjuster communication, and full-service restoration with care, speed, and integrity.

If your home or business has suffered damage, don't wait. Contact us today, and let our team help you rebuild from a position of strength.

☎️ Need Help Navigating a Claim?

Call CareFree Restoration at (423) 610-0500 or reach out online for expert guidance on insurance-covered restoration work.