Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Foundation Repair?
A Long Island guide to what homeowners insurance covers and excludes for foundation repair, with tips for filing claims.
The short answer: usually no. Standard homeowners insurance policies almost always exclude foundation damage caused by settlement, soil movement, or wear and tear — which describes 90% of foundation repair jobs.
WHAT IS USUALLY COVERED: Foundation damage caused by a specifically covered peril. Burst interior plumbing that undermines a footing. Vehicle impact. Accidental structural failures from adjacent construction. Certain explosion or fire damage.
WHAT IS USUALLY EXCLUDED: Hydrostatic pressure damage. Normal settlement. Soil expansion and contraction. Frost-cycle damage. Poor original construction. Wear and tear. Tree root damage.
FLOOD INSURANCE IS SEPARATE: If your foundation failure is caused by flooding, your standard policy will not cover it. You need a separate NFIP or private flood policy. Long Island south-shore homeowners should carry both.
TIPS FOR FILING: Document everything in writing, dated, with photos. Get a written engineering report identifying the CAUSE of the damage — that is what the adjuster needs. We provide this report on every job.