Chimney Cleaning and Home Insurance: Understanding the Connection
Homeowners insurance is a tricky and complicated subject. You purchase home insurance to protect you from the financial losses of unforeseen events, such as burglary or fire. And yet, the homeowner can proactively impact the home insurance premium you pay to achieve that protection. In addition, you are also responsible for what you can or cannot claim, depending on how well you take care of your home and prevent disasters that could have easily been mitigated. One such example is chimney cleaning. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, dirty chimneys cause chimney fires. Those chimney fires directly cause injury and structural damage to homes. Therefore, keeping your chimney clean is a must for your safety.
This guide explores the link between chimney cleaning and home insurance, especially if you want to lower your premiums.
Overview of Home Insurance Coverage and Chimney Cleaning
Home insurance companies follow a code of conduct in determining the incidents that qualify for an insurance claim. Some examples include damage due to lightning or floods, which are difficult for humans to prevent. However, there are insurance coverage types that specify limitations on what constitutes a valid claim. Most limitations include those damages that result from direct negligence from the homeowner.
For example, the authorities determined that a dirty chimney that hadn't been cleaned for five or more years was the cause of the house fire. Since the fire incident results from the homeowner's negligence, the insurance company would not categorize it as a natural disaster or accident. The homeowner is directly responsible for the fire and, as such, would be denied the insurance claim.
Each insurance coverage varies widely, though. Double-check the fine details of your insurance coverage to determine how your insurance provider handles each case and if you qualify for a claim.
Some insurance policies clearly state that the homeowner is responsible for the home’s maintenance. Regular inspection and chimney cleaning ensure compliance with the insurance policies, which also guarantees you won’t be denied any chimney-related claims in the future. Even for homeowners approved for a claim on chimney damage, the policy will clearly state to what extent they will repair your chimney.
Why Does Lack of Chimney Cleaning Affect Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners obtaining insurance policies must take a proactive step in minimizing damage to their homes. Therefore, a lack of regular inspection and cleaning can affect your insurance claim or premium.
Increased Fire Risk
A dirty chimney is a fire hazard. Creosote buildup is flammable, making it riskier to start a fire when you heat wood. The higher the buildup (or the longer your chimney is uncleaned), the more likely it is to start a fire. Some insurance companies might even deny you insurance coverage.
Structural Damage
Aside from creosote, debris can also accumulate in the chimney. This debris can prevent proper ventilation and cause structural damage to the home. Insurance companies will be more expensive to repair, so they charge a higher premium or deny coverage to the homeowner.
Liability Concerns
If your damaged chimney causes harm to your home or others, you will face liability due to negligence. When insurance companies investigate the cause of damage, determined as being due to negligence, you will cover the cost of chimney repair and personal liability claims against you.
Advantages of Chimney Cleaning & Inspection
It is a general rule among insurance providers that a chimney not inspected or cleaned for a certain period will automatically be disqualified for a repair claim. However, it has other benefits that extend beyond insurance coverage and costs.
A clean chimney ensures efficient heating and ventilation inside your home, making it more comfortable for the family.
A clean chimney keeps your home safe for the family to live in. A dirty chimney with creosote buildup is a fire risk and can emit toxic substances and gases into your home that can be dangerous to inhale.
A clean chimney reduces the possibility of accidents and prevents structural damage to your home.
How Does Chimney Cleaning Lower Your Insurance Premium?
Insurance companies that offer homeowners insurance reward clients who take proactive measures to mitigate risks and reduce the possibility of claims. Therefore, homeowners who regularly inspect and clean their chimneys are considered less risky to insure as there is a decreased likelihood of house fire, damage, and personal liability claims. Insurers view it as responsible homeownership, which they reward with lower insurance premiums and higher coverage.
If you want to keep your homeowner insurance costs low, it’s time to consider regular maintenance of your home, including the chimney. It is a cost-effective investment that will translate to insurance premium savings. But the biggest reward is peace of mind for your family, knowing that it preserves the integrity of the chimney and the surrounding structure.