Mason’s Chimney Service Can Help With Homeowners Insurance Claims & Damage Evaluations
If you’ve experienced a chimney fire or have had major chimney damage due to a weather incident, your repairs, restoration, or rebuild may be covered by your insurance. Most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover damage resulting from a chimney fire, lightning strike, or hurricane. To determine the extent of your damage and whether or not your insurance will cover it, you’ll need to have a certified and licensed chimney technician inspect your system and report their findings.
Mason’s Chimney Service technicians have decades of experience conducting thorough and well-documented inspections and can offer an honest, accurate assessment of your damage. Our inspections are all-inclusive and meticulously conducted, ensuring that no area of the chimney system is left out. We work hard to provide you with as much information as possible so that you and your insurance company have all of the details necessary to take the next step.
Schedule an appointment with us today by calling 800-559-6276 or contacting us online.
What Is a “Sudden Occurrence”?
In a homeowners insurance policy, a “sudden occurrence” generally refers to damage that is caused by an unexpected and unforeseen event that can’t be attributed to neglect or gradual wear and tear. For example, a chimney leak that may be caused by a missing or damaged chimney cap wouldn’t likely be covered because it would be considered neglect, but a leak due to a severe storm could potentially be categorized as a “sudden occurrence” and will be eligible for coverage.
If you’re not sure whether or not a particular incident meets the criteria of a “sudden occurrence” or if the language of your policy is unclear to you, reach out to your insurance agent directly. They can go over the details of your policy with you and let you know if the event in question qualifies.
Will My Insurance Cover a Chimney Fire?
A chimney fire is a scary experience. It not only threatens the structural integrity of your chimney, but it can damage other parts of your home as well. Navigating insurance coverage on top of dealing with the fallout of a fire can be complicated. In a lot of situations, homeowners insurance will cover damage caused by a chimney fire. However, your insurance provider will look into the cause of the fire and your maintenance history before making a final determination.
If the chimney fire was caused by a “sudden occurrence” such as a lightning strike or a falling tree, you’re likely in the clear. Insurance companies don’t typically cover preventable issues so if the fire was caused by creosote buildup or a blockage that could’ve been removed during a chimney sweeping, it is unlikely that they will approve the claim.
What Should I Do if My Chimney Is Damaged During an Event?
If you’ve had a chimney fire or have experienced severe weather damage, start by documenting all the information you can. Note the date and time you discovered the problem and what you saw, and take plenty of photographs. This documentation can help us during our inspection, and may also be helpful to your insurance company.
How Can Mason’s Chimney Service Help?
Mason’s Chimney Service can perform a thorough inspection and full video scan of your entire chimney system, providing a documented representation of your damage and a professional evaluation of its cause. Our intensive inspections are guaranteed to give you a comprehensive picture of your chimney system’s condition that will help the insurance claim process go much smoother and quicker.
Why Was My Insurance Claim Denied?
If it turns out that your fire or damage was the result of improper construction or deferred maintenance – like a clogged flue or spalling masonry – your insurance company likely won’t cover the claim.
To protect yourself from claim rejections, be sure to schedule regular chimney system inspections and sweepings. Mason’s Chimney Service’s Safer Chimney Program can be a big help there – we’ll send annual reminders to alert you of service that’s coming due and take the hassle of remembering off of your plate. Members also receive discounts and priority scheduling.
If you have filed or will be filing an insurance claim in the near future, call Mason’s Chimney Service – we’ll thoroughly and honestly assess your chimney damage to help make your life a little bit easier.
How often should I have my chimney serviced to maintain coverage under my homeowners insurance?
We recommend a yearly chimney inspection and sweeping as part of a routine maintenance plan. An annual checkup gives us the chance to spot issues early and monitor your chimney system for changes as time goes on. If you use your fireplace or stove often, think about getting a chimney inspection once every six months to err on the side of caution.
When You Need Help, Call Mason’s Chimney Service
We understand that dealing with sudden chimney damage can be overwhelming as a homeowner. The Mason’s Chimney Service team is here to take some weight off your shoulders by making sure your chimney system is in tip-top condition at all times. Call us today at 800-559-6276 or get in touch with us online.
When buying or selling a home, you’ll need a real estate chimney certification to be sure the system is safe. The experts at Mason’s Chimney Service will use their professional chimney video scan to pinpoint any problems and suggest any needed repairs.