Most 'does it cover…' answers come down to one test: was the damage sudden and accidental, or gradual wear / a maintenance issue? The former is usually covered; the latter usually isn't. Here are the ones homeowners ask most.
Roof damage
Depends. Sudden damage from a covered peril — a storm, hail, a fallen tree — is covered. A roof that simply wore out with age is not (that's maintenance). Note: many insurers now pay actual cash value (depreciated) on older roofs rather than full replacement, so check your roof settlement terms. Full guide: roof damage, leaks & replacement →
Water damage
Sudden, internal water — a burst pipe, an overflowing washer, a leak from a covered roof breach — is covered. Flood (rising water from outside) is not — that's a separate policy. Sewer/drain backup needs a water-backup endorsement. Slow, long-term leaks you should have caught are treated as maintenance and excluded. Full guide: water damage →
Mold
Limited. If mold results from a covered water loss (a burst pipe), remediation is usually covered up to a sublimit ($1,000–$10,000 typically). Mold from ongoing humidity or a neglected leak is not. Full guide: mold →
A fallen tree
Usually yes. If a tree hits your house, garage, or fence, dwelling/other-structures coverage handles the damage and removal (up to a limit). A tree that falls and hits nothing is often only removed if it blocks a driveway or ramp. Full guide: fallen trees & tree damage →
Your dog (and dog bites)
Usually, under personal liability — but many insurers exclude certain breeds or a dog with a bite history. Disclose your pet; an undisclosed dog can void the claim. Full guide: dog bites →
Wind, hail & storms
Covered — wind, hail, and hurricane wind are covered perils. The catch: a separate percentage-based wind/hurricane deductible often applies, and older roofs pay depreciated value. Storm surge is flood, not homeowners. Full guide: wind, hail & storm damage →
Sewer & drain backup
Not by default — sewer/drain backup and sump-pump failure are excluded; a cheap water-backup endorsement (~$50–100/yr) adds them. Separate from both flood and ordinary water damage. Full guide: sewer backup →
Flood
No — never. Standard homeowners excludes flood (rising water from outside); you need a separate NFIP or private flood policy. Sudden internal water is covered, but rising water is not. Full guide: flood damage →
Theft and foundation
Theft of belongings is covered (subject to deductible and sublimits). Foundation cracks from settling, soil movement, or earthquake are generally not covered — only if caused by a specific covered peril like a burst pipe. Full guide: foundation repair →
The rule of thumb: sudden accidents are covered; wear, neglect, flood, and earthquake are not. The coverage calculator shows what your limits and endorsements actually protect.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage?
Sudden damage from a storm, hail, or fallen tree — yes. A roof that wore out from age — no. Older roofs may settle at depreciated (actual cash) value.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Sudden internal water (burst pipe, overflow) yes; flood no (separate policy); sewer backup only with an endorsement; slow leaks treated as maintenance are excluded.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold?
Usually only when it results from a covered water loss, up to a sublimit. Mold from humidity or a neglected leak isn't covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover a fallen tree?
Yes if it damages your home or other structures — repairs and removal up to a limit. A tree that hits nothing is often only removed if it blocks access.
Related: Home Coverage Calculator →