Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Structural Damage?

Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers structural damage if it's caused by a sudden and unexpected event. This protection falls under your policy’s dwelling coverage, which includes your home’s foundation, walls, roof and other attached structures. For example, you’re covered if:

• A fire damages your home’s structural integrity
• A heavy snow load causes part of your roof to collapse
• A tornado or windstorm tears through your walls or foundation

These examples aren’t exhaustive, as the exact coverage depends on your policy and the specific perils it lists. However, insurance won’t cover damage caused by poor design, faulty construction or the use of substandard materials. Coverage only applies when the damage results from a covered peril, not from preventable or gradual issues.

Your homeowners insurance won't cover structural damage in several situations, including poor workmanship, neglect or foundation issues. For instance, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage from rotting wood or mold, especially if you were aware of the problem and didn't take steps to prevent it.

While the best homeowners insurance can protect you financially after structural damage, prevention is always the smarter first move. Taking preventive action helps you avoid expensive repairs and minimizes the likelihood of coverage rejections. MoneyGeek recommends these ways to protect your home's structure:

You can buy homeowners insurance from major insurers like Progressive, State Farm and GEICO. Smaller providers such as Hippo and Lemonade also offer coverage options worth considering. To find the best policy for your needs, compare quotes from multiple insurers before choosing a provider.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. is around $175 per month, but your rate may vary based on your home’s value, location and coverage selections. You can use MoneyGeek’s personal property calculator below to estimate how much insurance you might need.

We explained when homeowners insurance covers structural damage, what situations are excluded and how to prevent major issues before they happen.

Dwelling coverage typically covers structural components like your foundation, roof and walls, but only when damage is caused by a covered peril. Damage from neglect, poor construction or long-term wear isn't covered, and no policy will protect against problems you failed to address. If your home is older or at higher risk for structural issues, regular inspections and proper maintenance are key to staying physically and financially protected.

Structural damage can be complex, especially when it comes to what’s covered under a standard homeowners policy. Below are answers to common questions about structural insurance coverage and exclusions.

MoneyGeek evaluates homeowners insurance coverage using independent analysis, regulatory filings and real-world policy data. Our insights are based on official rate filings submitted by insurers to state Departments of Insurance and compiled and processed by Quadrant Information Services. This ensures we provide accurate and current information on how structural damage is typically handled in standard policies.

We also reviewed insurer policy documents and industry best practices to understand how coverage applies to dwelling structures, including foundations, roofs and walls, as well as common exclusions related to maintenance and construction defects. Our recommendations reflect general trends across providers, but coverage specifics may vary by insurer, location and policy type.