Foundation Insurance
By adding foundation insurance to your policy, you secure protection for repairing or replacing your foundation in case of events like burst pipes or water leaks beneath your home. Foundation water damage coverage is typically offered at 15% of your dwelling's amount. So, if your home is covered for $400,000, the policy would cover up to $60,000 for foundation repairs.
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Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in life insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Mar 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Homeowners insurance typically does not cover foundation problems
- You will need to have your policy endorsed to include foundation coverage
- House foundation repair insurance is often offered at 15% of your dwelling’s amount
Foundation damage to a home can happen at any time. Are you covered?
You may be surprised when you get the answer from your insurer. Foundation damage coverage is not automatically covered on most homeowners insurance policies.
In many cases, home foundation insurance coverage is excluded, and you may have to request to have your policy endorsed to include this coverage. The cost and amount of foundation insurance can differ vastly from insurer to insurer.
If you’re in the market for new homeowners insurance, feel free to put your ZIP code into our free quote tool to find affordable insurers near you.
What is foundation coverage on homeowners insurance?
Foundation insurance coverage is not the end-all solution to the potential problems you might have. Typically, foundation coverage, more correctly referred to as “foundation water damage coverage,” only serves to reimburse the policyholder for a foundation issue that results from water damage from your plumbing.
Perhaps a leak in a pipe within the foundation causes the foundation to sink, leading to many potential expensive problems.
Read more: What does homeowners insurance cover?
Here is some example verbiage straight from a homeowner’s insurance policy:
“For an additional premium, we cover the accidental escape of water or steam from a plumbing or heating system within or below the floor slab, footings, or foundation including settling, cracking, bulging, shrinking, or expansion of foundations, floor slabs, or footings that support the dwelling when damage is caused directly by accidental escape or leakage of water from a plumbing system. This extension of coverage applies only to property described under Coverage A — Dwelling.”
Of course, the policy goes into further detail, but that’s the gist of dwelling foundation coverage.
Read more: Water Seepage and Leakage Coverage
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Does homeowners insurance cover foundation issues?
There are a few basic options with regard to how much insurance coverage you can buy for your house’s foundation.
Let’s take a look:
- Coverage A Limit: This is your best option. Your policy will cover foundation water damage up to the same amount as the home.
- Fixed Dollar Limits: You might be offered $5,000, $10,000, and so on…in increments of $5,000 up to a pre-determined maximum (perhaps $25,000). Some policies simply offer $5,000 and no more.
- Percentage: Your insurer limits your coverage amount to a percentage of Coverage A. Fifteen percent is relatively common. You might see a “15% or $15,000, whichever is less,” clause on your policy.
- NONE: This is more common than you think.
Many homeowners policies do not cover foundation issues, so it is paramount that you ask your insurer about this before you have a problem and not after. Learn how to buy homeowners insurance.
What are the warning signs of foundation water damage?
The first sign that you have a foundation issue is when your home starts to sink. If this happens, it’s time for an inspection by a professional who can determine if there is any structural damage and what needs to be done to fix the situation.
The next step would be to call in a structural engineer or architect to help with the design process and foundation repairs. A good contractor will also check out the property before they start work on it so he/she can determine the structural integrity of the building and exactly what needs to be done.
You should also have an expert come and look at any foundation cracks and cracks in basement walls you notice as soon as possible, as well as any mold issues. Mold is hazardous to your health and it is also a sign that there could be an issue with your home’s foundation from water damage.
Uneven floors are another potential warning sign that your foundation is unstable. If you have one or more of these problems, it is time to start looking for a solution.
Read more: Who is covered under homeowners insurance?
Foundation Insurance: The Bottom Line
When it comes to your most valuable asset, don’t be afraid to ask your homeowners insurance company about available coverage. Simply assuming you have coverage won’t get you anywhere at claim time.
Contact a local independent insurance agent if you can’t obtain this type of coverage on your current policy or can’t get the limits of coverage with which you are comfortable. Alternatively, if you are in need of a new homeowners insurance policy, try entering your ZIP code into our free online quote tool to save today.
Read more: Does flood insurance cover seepage?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover foundation repairs?
Your homeowners insurance may cover foundation repairs if the damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a burst pipe or sudden water leak. However, you will need to your policy endorsed to include this coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover foundation cracks?
Your homeowners policy may not cover foundation cracks or settling, as coverage is typically limited to specific perils under dwelling coverage.
Does State Farm homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
State Farm homeowners insurance may cover foundation repair if the damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a sudden plumbing leak. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific policy and the circumstances of the damage.
What is foundation water damage coverage?
Foundation water damage coverage is an endorsement to a homeowners insurance policy that typically reimburses policyholders for damage to their home’s foundation caused by water leaks or plumbing issues.
Does Progressive home insurance cover foundation repair?
Progressive home insurance may cover foundation repair if the damage is caused by a covered peril, including:
- Tornados, windstorms, and hailstorms
- Lightning strikes
- Damage from trees falling on your house
- Sudden and accidental water damage (such as from a burst pipe)
- Vandalism
- Fire
Are foundation repairs covered by insurance?
Homeowners insurance typically includes coverage for your foundation. However, it’s crucial to note that standard policies often exclude specific causes of foundation damage.
How do you fix water damaged foundation?
It’s essential to consult with professionals for an accurate assessment and proper repair of water-damaged foundations. A professional will identify the source of water and address and fix any leaks or drainage issues causing water accumulation around the foundation.
What is water backup coverage?
Water backup coverage is an optional add-on to homeowners insurance that protects against damage caused by water backing up through sewers, drains, or sump pumps.
How do I know if water is damaging my foundation?
Several signs indicate water damage to your foundation. Look for cracks in the foundation walls, floors, or exterior surfaces, especially those that are widening or extending over time. If the foundation walls appear to be bulging inward or bowing outward, it could be a sign of water pressure causing structural damage. Noticeable sinking or settling of the foundation can indicate soil erosion due to water infiltration.
What happens if water gets under foundation?
When water infiltrates beneath a foundation, it can lead to various damaging effects. For example, water can wash away or weaken the soil beneath the foundation, causing it to settle or sink unevenly. Excessive moisture can cause the foundation to shift, crack, or become unstable, compromising the structural integrity of the building. Water pressure can exert force on the foundation walls, leading to cracks, bulges, or bowing.
What is the difference between backup and overflow?
The difference between backup and overflow lies in the source and direction of water flow. Backup refers to water flowing backward or being pushed back into a home through plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, or drains, due to blockages or sewer system malfunctions. This can lead to water damage inside the home.
Overflow occurs when water spills or flows over the edges of a containment area, such as a bathtub, sink, or toilet, due to excessive water volume or blockages. Overflow typically occurs within the home and can cause water damage to surrounding areas.
Can water damage cause cracks?
Water damage can cause cracks in various materials, including concrete, masonry, and wood. When water infiltrates or accumulates around a structure, it can exert pressure on the material, leading to cracks as the material expands or contracts. Additionally, water can weaken the structural integrity of materials over time, making them more susceptible to cracking under stress.
Can water leak up through foundation?
Water can leak up through a foundation, especially if there are cracks, gaps, or porous materials present in the foundation structure. This occurs when groundwater or surface water infiltrates beneath the foundation and exerts pressure on the foundation slab or walls.
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Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in life insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.