Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Structural Damage?

Homeowners insurance covers structural damage when it's sudden and caused by a covered peril, not due to neglect, poor construction or wear and tear.

Find out if you're overpaying for homeowners insurance below.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Edited by Katrin Villaraza

Updated: October 11, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways

Homeowners insurance covers structural damage only when caused by a covered peril like fire, storms or falling objects.

Dwelling coverage protects your home’s foundation, walls, roof and more, but only under certain conditions.

If you live in an older home or high-risk area, consider extra coverage for foundation or structural issues.

Does Home Insurance Cover Structural Problems?

Yes, homeowners insurance usually covers structural damage if a sudden and unexpected event causes it. This protection falls under your policy’s dwelling coverage, which covers 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

Coverage varies by policy and the specific perils listed. Review your policy or contact your provider for details on covered perils.

Structural Damage to House: Home Insurance Exclusions

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.

Wear, Tear and Neglect

Structural damage that develops slowly, like foundation cracks from long-term water exposure or sagging roofs from age, isn’t covered. Insurance only applies to sudden, accidental events, not preventable deterioration.

Construction and Design Flaws

If your home’s structure is compromised due to poor construction, design defects or substandard materials, your policy won’t cover repairs. These issues are considered the builder’s or contractor’s responsibility.

Pest and Soil Issues

Structural weakening caused by termites, rodents or invasive tree roots is excluded from coverage. Foundation damage from soil movement, such as settling or sinkholes, also isn’t covered unless you have specific endorsements.

Structural vs. Cosmetic Damage in Home Insurance

Homeowners often confuse structural damage with cosmetic damage, but insurance treats them very differently. Structural issues threaten your home’s safety and stability, while cosmetic flaws are surface-level problems that usually aren’t covered.

Below are a few examples of what counts as structural vs. cosmetic damage in home insurance, but keep in mind that what your insurer accepts varies based on your policy terms.

Structural Damage	Cosmetic Damage
Cracks in the foundation that compromise stability	Small hairline cracks in drywall
Roof collapse from heavy snow or wind	Missing shingles that don’t affect structural integrity
Sagging or bowing load-bearing walls	Scuffed paint or faded siding
Floor or ceiling separation caused by water damage

Optional Coverages That Help With Structural Risks

Standard homeowners insurance has limitations regarding structural issues, especially those caused by natural disasters or local building codes. Optional coverages or endorsements can fill these gaps and offer stronger protection for your home’s structural integrity.


Earthquake Insurance	This add-on covers structural damage from seismic activity, such as cracked foundations or collapsed walls. It’s usually excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. You can purchase it as a separate policy or endorsement from companies that serve earthquake-prone areas.
Flood Insurance	Flood insurance pays for structural damage caused by rising water, including harm to floors, walls and the foundation. Standard policies don't include flood coverage. It’s available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.
Ordinance or Law Coverage	This coverage pays the extra cost of rebuilding or repairing structural elements to meet current building codes. It applies when part of your home is damaged and code upgrades are legally required. You can add this to your dwelling coverage for a small additional premium.

How Insurers Evaluate Structural Damage Claims

Structural damage claims aren’t automatically approved; insurers carefully investigate to confirm the cause, severity and whether the damage falls under a covered peril. Understanding how this process works can help you prepare the right documentation, avoid delays and improve your chances of a fair payout.

1
Initial Claim Filing
You’ll report the damage, provide photos or videos, and share when and how the event occurred. The insurer uses this information to decide whether the claim moves forward.
2
On-Site Inspection
An adjuster visits your property to assess the damage in person. They look for evidence of sudden, accidental events versus long-term issues like wear or neglect.
3
Documentation Review
Insurers may request repair estimates, maintenance records or engineering reports. This paperwork helps confirm whether the damage was preventable or unavoidable.
4
Cause Verification
The adjuster determines if the damage aligns with a covered peril, such as fire, storm or burst pipes. If it stems from poor construction or gradual deterioration, coverage is usually denied.
5
Claim Decision and Payout
Once the investigation is complete, the insurer approves or denies your claim. If approved, they’ll issue payment based on your policy limits and deductible.

OLDER HOMES AND STRUCTURAL COVERAGE CONSIDERATIONS

Insurers often scrutinize older homes more closely because age increases the likelihood of hidden structural issues. Problems like outdated wiring, weakened foundations or prior repairs that don’t meet today’s standards can raise red flags during underwriting. These risks may lead to higher premiums, required inspections or limited coverage unless upgrades are made.

If you own an older property, regular maintenance and proper documentation can help reassure insurers and protect your eligibility for structural coverage.

Home Damage: How to Prevent Structural Issues

While the best homeowners insurance can protect you financially after structural damage, prevention is 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:

Keep Drainage Clean

Inadequate drainage causes water to collect around your foundation, especially during storms or flooding. Keep gutters, downspouts and ground-level drains clear to help water flow away from your home.

Schedule Home Inspections

Schedule regular inspections to spot structural warning signs early, such as cracks in walls, sloping floors or roof issues. Addressing minor problems right away can prevent serious damage later.

Trim Nearby Trees and Large Shrubs

Overgrown roots and falling branches can damage your roof, siding or even the foundation. Keep trees trimmed and plant them at a safe distance from your home to minimize risk.

Structural Damage: Signs to Watch Out For

Spotting early signs of structural damage can help you prevent bigger problems and know when insurance coverage might apply. Watch for these common red flags around your home:

1
Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
Large, widening cracks, especially those running diagonally or across ceilings, may signal foundation movement rather than normal settling. Keep an eye on changes over time to spot worsening issues.
2
Uneven or Sloping Floors
Floors that sag, slope or feel soft underfoot can indicate structural weakening beneath the surface. Use a level or rolling object to check if floors are shifting noticeably.
3
Doors and Windows That Stick
Frames that suddenly won’t open or close smoothly often point to a shifting foundation or warped structure. If adjustments don’t fix the problem, it could be a structural concern.
4
Roof Sagging or Bowing
A visibly sagging roofline or bowing support beams can mean the roof is under too much stress. This kind of damage requires immediate attention to prevent collapse.

Structural Insurance: Where to Buy

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 will 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 need.

Personal Property Coverage Calculator

When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.

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Does Home Insurance Cover Structural Damage: Bottom Line

Homeowners insurance covers structural damage that is sudden and caused by a covered peril, not from neglect, poor construction or wear and tear.

Dwelling coverage protects structural components like your foundation, roof and walls, but only when a covered peril causes damage. No policy covers problems you fail to address. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are key to staying physically and financially protected if your home is older or at higher risk for structural issues.

Does Home Insurance Cover Structural Issues: FAQ

Structural damage can be complex, particularly regarding what's covered under a standard homeowners policy. Below are answers to common questions about structural insurance coverage and exclusions.

Does homeowners insurance cover structural damage?

Yes, but only if the damage is caused by a covered peril, such as wind, fire, hail or vandalism. Coverage falls under your policy’s dwelling protection.

What types of structural damage are covered?

Covered damage usually includes harm to your roof, walls, foundation, floors or ceiling due to sudden events like explosions, falling objects or storm impact. Coverage varies by policy.

Is foundation damage covered by homeowners insurance?

It depends. If the foundation damage results from a covered peril (like a burst pipe or fire), it might be covered. But damage from settling, poor drainage or soil movement is usually excluded.

What structural damage is not covered by insurance?

Insurance generally doesn’t cover damage caused by poor construction, defective materials, neglect, mold, rot or long-term deterioration.

Do I need additional insurance for structural issues?

You might need supplemental coverage if you’re in an area prone to earthquakes, floods or soil movement, which are events standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover.

Structural Damage Insurance Providers: Our Review Methodology

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 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 vary by insurer, location and policy type.

Structural Damage Repair Insurance: Related Articles

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.

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