Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Arson?

It is critical to understand as a homeowner the coverage provided by your house insurance policy in the event of fire damage. Typically, standard homeowner's insurance policies cover fire-related damage. However, arson-related fires automatically nullify your claim.

Recognize Covered and Undisclosed Fire Damage

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, a fire department in the United States responded to a fire every 24 seconds in 2017. These numerous fires have devastated property, but they have also put countless lives in jeopardy. In 2017, the United States saw 499,000 structural fires, with 77% of these incidents occurring in residential properties. Due to the nature of fires and the destruction they may inflict, home insurance has become a requirement in most cities and towns. While home insurance can be highly beneficial in fire damage, your claim may be denied at times. Arson is one of the most often cited causes for insurance claims denials.

Arson is a criminal act committed with the specific goal of setting fire on a property. When a person uses fire purposefully to damage a structure, a home, an automobile, or even wildland, this is referred to as arson. To qualify as arson, an offender must have a deliberate or willful intent to fire something. Arson does not include unintentional or accidental flames and spontaneous combustion.

When a fire happens, the town's fire department will conduct an investigation. The homeowner's insurance provider will conduct their inquiry in some instances. The investigation conducted by your fire department will aid in determining the cause of the fire.

Why Isn't Arson Included?

Because arson is a criminal act, an insurance company has the discretion to withhold coverage. This regulation deters abusive homeowners from setting their homes on fire purposefully. There have been countless instances where homeowners attempted to start a fire to file a claim.

While the exclusion of arson has noble intentions, there are several instances in which insurance companies exploit this rule. Complaints have been filed against insurance firms for denial of reasonable fire damage claims. When the local fire department cannot determine the cause of a fire, it is sometimes automatically considered arson.

Coverage for Fire Damage to Your Home

Your homeowner's insurance coverage will cover accidental, abrupt, and unintentional fire damage. Standard plans often cover damage to the structure and contents of the building and additional living expenses if you cannot live in your house while it is being repaired or rebuilt. In some situations, an insurance policy may also cover unattached structures such as a shed, fences, or garage.

It is critical to notify your insurance carrier promptly if you sustain accidental or unintended damage. The fire department in your community will investigate to ascertain the cause of the fire. You will almost certainly be notified that the fire was accidental, at which point you can proceed with filing a claim.