Is hidden structural damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Answer

If you have an "all-risk" policy, interior water damage, including hidden damage, should be covered. However, you state the chimney is "leaning out." Your policy states, in the "Conditions" Section under "Your Duties After Loss" that you must give prompt notice to your company of facts relating to the claim (damage), you must protect the property from further damage, and you must make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect the property (language varies by state). If the chimney started leaning a long time ago, and if the water entry is due to worn-out chimney flashings indicating poor maintenance, you may be better off fixing it yourself. If an adjuster or your agent observes poor maintenance, he may submit your claim for an Underwriting Review and your policy could be non-renewed.

• Does homeowners insurance cover water damage while I was adding a floor and there was no roof?
• If damage is evident on my roof that happened before I bought it is it covered?
• Will homeowners' insurance cover replacement of ceiling due to a leak along the entire party wall caused by neighbor adding an additional story to his row house?