Does Insurance Cover Deck Replacement?
Does homeowners insurance cover deck replacement? Understand policy nuances, covered damage, exclusions, and the claims process to navigate your coverage.
Decks are valuable additions to a home, providing outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment. Whether insurance covers deck replacement depends on the cause of damage and the specific terms of the individual policy.
What Your Homeowners Policy Covers
Homeowners insurance policies consider decks as part of the dwelling or “other structures” on the property. If a deck is attached to the home, it is covered under the dwelling portion of the policy. Detached decks, such as those around a pool, are covered under the “other structures” portion. Both types of coverage apply to sudden and accidental events.
Common perils triggering coverage for deck damage include fire, smoke, windstorms, hail, and falling objects like trees. Vandalism and theft are also covered events. If a deck collapses due to a sudden impact, such as from a vehicle or a tree falling, it would be covered.
Situations Not Covered by Insurance
While homeowners insurance provides broad protection, it does not cover every scenario that leads to deck damage. Policies exclude damage resulting from a lack of maintenance, wear and tear, rot, mold, or insect infestation. These issues are considered preventable and fall under the homeowner’s responsibility for property upkeep. For instance, if a deck rots over time due to age or neglect, insurance will not cover the repair or replacement.
Standard homeowners insurance policies exclude damage caused by floods or earthquakes. Homeowners in areas prone to these natural disasters need to purchase separate insurance policies to cover such events. Damage from faulty construction or improper installation is also not covered.
Understanding Your Policy’s Payout Structure
When a covered peril damages a deck, the insurance payout depends on the policy’s payout structure. Homeowners policies offer either Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage for structures. ACV coverage pays for the depreciated value of the damaged deck. RCV coverage pays the cost to repair or replace the deck with new materials of similar kind and quality, without deduction for depreciation.
A deductible is a component of the payout structure, representing the amount a homeowner must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins. For example, if a deck sustains $5,000 in covered damage and the policy has a $1,000 deductible, the insurer would pay $4,000. Deductibles range from $500 to $2,500, though some policies may have higher percentage-based deductibles for specific perils.
Steps to Filing a Claim
If a deck is damaged by a covered peril, homeowners should promptly file a claim. The first step involves ensuring safety and preventing further damage to the property. Homeowners should then thoroughly document the damage with clear photographs and videos from multiple angles, capturing both wide shots and close-ups. Include date and time stamps on these visual records.
Contact the insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report the incident and initiate the claims process. The insurer will assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage and verify coverage. Homeowners should provide all requested documentation, including visual evidence and a detailed list of damaged items with estimated values. Obtaining estimates for repair or replacement from reputable contractors is beneficial, though major repairs should wait until the adjuster’s approval.