2 Types of Fire That Probably Aren’t Covered by Your Insurance

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

A home fire is a stressful situation.

The typical homeowners insurance policy covers your residence against most types of damage resulting from a home fire. More specifically, if you experience a fire at your Bountiful, UT, home, your policy should help pay for the restoration, replacement or repair of your home itself, as well as any other buildings on your property (such as a detached garage or shed) and your belongings. There are two instances, however, where most homeowners insurance policies will not cover you in the event of a fire.

Types of Fire Most Insurance Policies Will Not Cover

1. Arson

This type of fire is one that is set intentionally. It may be set by a criminal. It could be set by a homeowner looking to cash in on his or her insurance policy. No matter who starts the fire, if it’s set on purpose with the intention to do damage to the home, it’s almost certainly not covered by insurance. In cases where the fire was set by a person who lives in the home, or even someone who visits often, it will definitely not be covered by insurance.
If a fire starts on your property by accident — let’s say a fire pit gone wrong, for example — that’s not arson. Ultimately, the distinction between an intentional fire and an accidental fire will be determined by your local fire department.

2. A Vacant Home

If a home fire occurs at a property that’s vacant, it’s typically not covered by insurance. Such residences pose a greater risk of fire than other homes, as well as a higher likelihood of a break-in or vandalism. Because of this, as well as slower emergency response times on average, a vacant home fire is typically excluded from homeowners insurance protection.
Precisely how long of an absence constitutes vacancy may vary by region. If you own a seasonal property that’s only inhabited part of the year, you might consider unoccupied home insurance.

No matter the cause, a home fire is a stressful situation. After the flames subside and you enlist the help of your local fire damage restoration company, your next step should be to determine the cause and contact your insurance provider.