The specifics of what is and isn't covered are determined by the terms of your policy, but even the best coverage won't cover everything. Here are ten common home insurance exclusions and suggestions for how to fill in the gaps.

1. Ground movement

Earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. Florida and Tennessee are exceptions, where insurers must provide optional sinkhole protection.

Aside from that, you will require separate coverage for these disasters, which your insurer can assist you in locating. A "difference in conditions" policy, for example, can cover earthquakes, landslides, and other risks like mudflows and floods.

2. Floods

Most home insurance policies do not cover floods caused by overflowing rivers or torrential rain. Flood insurance is widely available thanks to the National Flood Insurance Program's collaboration with over 50 different insurers. It can include both the physical structure of your house and your belongings.

Aside from floods, your home insurance policy is likely to exclude other types of water damage, such as clogged sewer lines or overflowing sump pumps. You can fill this void by adding a water backup endorsement to your policy. A standard policy, on the other hand, will usually cover burst pipes — for example, if the water pipe behind your washing machine bursts and spews water.

3. Mold

Mold coverage is complicated because it is often difficult to determine the root cause of a mold problem. For the damage to be covered, the cause of the mold must be sudden, accidental, and a problem covered by your policy.

This means that, for example, home insurers will generally not pay to repair mold damage caused by water from a long-term leak or poor home maintenance. However, if the mold is caused by a sudden plumbing leak, your policy may cover repairs as long as you act quickly to correct the problem.

4. Wear and tear

Home insurance is intended to cover unexpected or unintentional problems such as storms, burglaries, and fires. It is not a panacea for general wear and tear. You are expected to perform basic maintenance to keep your home in good condition.

Maintaining your home's roof, replacing worn-out flooring, and repairing slow-leaking pipes are just a few examples of how you can avoid large expenses that your insurance will not cover.

5. Infestations

Bedbugs, termites, mice, and other vermin are typically not covered by home insurance for the same reason that wear and tear is not. Getting rid of infestations and repairing the damage left behind are simply part of home maintenance, according to your insurer.

There may be some exceptions. As an example:

• You may be covered if the infestation causes a covered problem, such as a fire or structural collapse. A mouse chews through a wire, causing an electrical fire.
• If hidden termite damage causes a portion of your home to collapse, your insurer may cover some of the costs. However, if any termite damage was visible prior to the collapse, you would most likely not be covered.

6. Nuclear hazards

Nuclear accidents are not covered by home insurance. Fortunately, you're unlikely to need it. Nuclear power companies are required to have liability insurance to cover damages if you live in a hazard zone.

7. Government action

The actions of public officials are not the responsibility of your insurer. If the government seizes your belongings, for example, or condemns your home and seizes the land, your policy will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing your property. The only exception would be if the government took action to prevent the spread of a fire that would otherwise affect your home.

8. Dangerous or aggressive dogs

In 2021, insurance companies paid out $882 million in claims for dog bites and other dog-related injuries, with an average claim amount of around $49,000. Insurers may refuse to cover certain aggressive or dangerous dogs due to the high costs. Having one may even bar you from being approved for a policy.

Some insurance companies refuse to cover breeds known for causing severe injuries, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf hybrids. Other insurers, such as State Farm, will not deny coverage based solely on breed, but will instead consider an individual dog's history of aggression.

If you have a potentially dangerous dog, you may be able to get some wiggle room from your insurer if you improve your pet's behavior through training and socialization.

9. Wind damage in hurricane-prone states

Wind damage is covered by most homeowners insurance policies in the United States. However, if you live on the Atlantic or Gulf coasts, where hurricane risk is greatest, you may need to purchase additional wind insurance.

Wind damage can be costly, even if it is covered by your home insurance policy. Insurers may charge a special wind, named storm, or hurricane deductible in 19 states and Washington, D.C. These deductibles are calculated as a percentage of the insured value of your home, typically between 1% and 5%.

This can quickly add up. For example, if your home is insured for $500,000 and you have a 5% wind deductible, you must pay the first $25,000 in repairs. If your company allows you to choose your deductible percentage, going low at 1% or 2% can make a big difference if you ever have a claim.

10. Intentional loss or neglect

You will not be covered if your insurer determines that the damage to your home could have been avoided or was done on purpose. Furthermore, if you file a claim for damages you intentionally caused, you may be charged with insurance fraud.