Home and auto insurance policies are essential for protecting your valuable assets. However, it's important to understand that these policies come with certain exclusions, which are specific situations or events that are not covered by the insurance. Here's a breakdown of some typical exclusions you should be aware of:

Home Insurance Exclusions

• Floods and Earthquakes: Most standard home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by floods or earthquakes. You'll need to purchase separate flood or earthquake insurance for this protection.

• Wear and Tear:  Damage resulting from normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or lack of maintenance is generally not covered.

• Intentional Acts: Any intentional damage you cause to your property is not covered.

• High-Value Items: Certain high-value items, such as jewelry, artwork, or collectibles, may have limited coverage. You might need to schedule these items separately to ensure adequate protection.

• Home-Based Businesses: If you run a business from your home, your policy may have limited coverage for your business property and there also may not be coverage for liability. In addition, depending on the type of business and the foot traffic that occurs, the homeowners policy might not provide coverage at all for the home or claims that occur if this hasn’t been properly disclosed and approved by underwriters in advance.  Certain types of businesses present too high of a risk and are not allowed by many homeowners insurance companies for various reasons. Always disclose home-based businesses to your agent so that you can get a policy that fits your needs.

• Damage from pests: Damage from termites, rodents, bees, and other types of pests are typically excluded on most homeowners insurance policies. Damage caused from pests are typically excluded because this is generally viewed as a preventable problem. Damage can be prevented with regular inspections, timely repairs, and taking preventative measures such as sealing cracks, maintaining cleanliness, and storing food properly. 

Auto Insurance Exclusions

• Wear and Tear: Similar to home insurance, damage caused by normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns is not covered.

• Racing and Off-Road Use: If you use your vehicle for racing or off-road activities, any damage incurred during these activities is typically excluded.

• Intentional Damage: Any intentional damage you cause to your vehicle is not covered.

• Using Your Vehicle for Business: If you use your vehicle for business purposes, such as delivering goods or transporting passengers for a fee (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, etc.), you may need an endorsement on your auto policy and/or commercial auto insurance.

It's crucial to carefully review your home and auto insurance policies to understand the specific exclusions that apply to your coverage. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to Contact us for clarification on your policy. By being aware of these exclusions, you can make informed decisions about your insurance coverage and avoid any surprises in the event of a claim.

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