Your home insurance policy protects your house and the items inside from damage. However, for many homeowners, understanding the ins and outs of the coverage provided by the insurance policy can be a bit difficult. After all, what’s so different between a qualifying event or damage and regular wear and tear? Wear and tear is not covered by standard home insurance policies and before you file a claim, it’s important to understand why.

Home Insurance Covers Events That Are Outside Your Control

Homeowners insurance is designed to help you pay for the cost of repairs or replacements related to damage that happens completely outside of your control. Events like fires, theft, vandalism, and even accidents on the property are unpredictable and thus are completely impossible for you to avoid.

While you could argue that wear and tear are outside of your control, the insurance industry doesn’t see it that way. Wear and tear is an accepted risk you take when purchasing a house, car, RV, or motorcycle. In this way, it’s relatively predictable; all items will experience wear and tear with repeated use. The house is no different, and your insurance policy won’t provide funds to help with the cost of maintenance.

There’s Always a Gray Area

Though wear and tear may not be covered by the standard home insurance policy, certain damages that resemble wear and tear may be protected. For example, if your roof is leaking due to a fallen branch or another hazard covered by the insurance policy, you can file a claim to pay for repairs. However, if the roof is leaking due to lack of regular maintenance or your 15-year-old water heater breaks because it’s too old, the insurance policy won’t kick into effect. If you’re ever unsure about what your policy covers, contact your insurance company. They will explain what counts as a qualifying event and what falls under general wear and tear.

Looking for a new home insurance policy to protect the things you love most? Contact Cundiff & Company Insurance in Somerset, KY. Their experienced insurance agents will work with you to find the best policy for your needs at an affordable price. For more than 40 years, they’ve helped members of the community protect their homes, cars, motorcycles, and businesses, and their agents are proud to work with multiple carriers to find the best price possible. Learn more about their coverage areas online, and call (606) 679-8379 for a free, no-obligation quote.