Do Homeowners Insurance Policies Cover Debris Removal?

Policies associated with debris removal only cover debris that is a result of an insured danger. The amount of coverage will depend on the various policies available. For some companies, some policies include the removal of debris within the limit of a building while others have a specified limit or a percentage of the building. Regardless of the limit put in place by the automatic addition, that amount is included in the contents limit and this does not increase the limit in place for the building. For instance, a huge loss may occur using a significant portion of the entire damage limit, leaving enough amount of debris removal expense. It is important to establish direct damage despite the location.

Types of Debris Removal

• Debris From a Fire

Most property insurance policies, include payment for debris removal under a category know as additional coverage. The company states that as long as the damage was a covered loss, such as a fire, the insurer will pay the expenses to remove debris. Although, the question is what percentage it will be. The policy provides the full amount of coverage equal to 25 % of the amount paid for the direct loss, plus a 25% amount of the deductible. Any amount beyond the stated one by the policy means that you will have to cover that from your pocket.

• Debris from Storm Damage

A storm can create a whole mess, and cleaning it can be costly. However, if your home is insured, only 25% of the total claim can be used to remove the debris. That will depend on your total insurance amount. It could be enough or less.  Another issue that comes up is when a tree falls on your rooftop, but there is no damage to the house or the structure. Due to this, the insurance policy will not cover the removal of the branch as there is no damage. With zero damage, there is no need for one to file an insurance claim.

How Debris Removal Insurance Policy Works

Debris removal insurance policy commonly has a limit on the amount of compensation one can get from them. As a homeowner, you have a standard provision of policy for debris removal, but you can also have additional coverage. The insurance policy may extend to remove dangerous material that may cover the property. When calculating the many costs involved in repairing the damage, and renovating the property, the cost of cleaning up the debris is in addition. It is better rather than being part of the value of the damaged property. So, the impact of the total amount of loss and the coverage limitation on those costs in most insurance policies are overlooked in arranging the coverage. You also need to know that debris removal claims must be reported and entered within 180 days, and an estimate from a licensed contractor is required. Note that the contractor’s estimate should satisfy the requirement, and it is imperative to have the full amount in written form to present it to the insurance company. Besides, debris removal insurance coverage is not part of an owner’s property insurance. In addition, debris removal insurance coverage is usually offered as additional coverage rather than part of the whole property coverage.

With that being said, insurance policies do cover debris removal. Although not 100% of it but a percentage that is beneficial to you. It comes with terms and conditions for removal and coverage to happen. Different insurance policies have different rules guiding the process of debris removal. It is good to check the whole section of debris removal of your homeowner’s policy to see what is covered and how much it will cost.