Does My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover if a Contractor Messes Up My House?

Homeowner’s insurance can protect your family from property damage, theft, and loss–so it’s no wonder many families choose to have a policy. But what does homeowner’s insurance really cover when it comes to damage or accidents from hired contractors?

If you’re considering a contractor for home repairs or renovations, it’s essential to know what coverage is at your disposal in case of damage or poor workmanship. If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, talk to your agent (before scheduling any projects) on the specifics of what your policy covers. 

It’s also important to note that coverage may also depend on what reimbursement your insurance provider can receive through the contractor’s liability insurance–if they have insurance at all. Selecting insured and guaranteed contractors can bring peace of mind during the work process and in the event of unforeseen bumps in the road.

Accident Coverage

Some policies that include accident coverage may cover repair costs of accidental damage to your home from a contractor. Damage from accidents like fire, flooding, and structural compromise could be reimbursed.

For example, if a pipe bursts during plumbing or maintenance, the resulting water damage may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Note: This may not include the cost of plumbing replacements. 

Poor Craftsmanship

 There is a difference between property damage and poor craftsmanship. If you don’t like the end-product of your contractor’s job because of how it looks or the use of low-quality materials, that will not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. Only actual damage to the property that poses a risk to its structural integrity or the safety of the residents will be covered. 

For example, if a roof is poorly repaired and begins to show damage, it would not be eligible for homeowner’s insurance coverage until it was at risk of leaking or other structural hazards.

Insurance Payment

If damage from your contractor is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, this does not necessarily mean that you will be cut a check immediately. Most insurance companies will attempt to collect repayment from the contractor’s liability insurance, which can be a slow process. 

Working with a trustworthy, insured contractor is the safest bet when tackling projects in your home because homeowner’s insurance may not always cover what you need when you need it. Is it time to find a contractor near you? Look no further than The Good Contractors List. All of our contractors have been hand-selected for their customer service reputation and expertise. 

The Good Contractors List backs all of the work done by our contractors with a $10,000 guarantee! That means if something does go wrong, we will pay to make it right for you. No homeowner’s insurance claim necessary!