Structural damage???

Question

what do insruance companies do if you have structural damage to your house?

Answer 1

If it's damaged by a covered peril under your policy (assuming you have insurance) for example: fire or tornado damage... your insurance company should pay to have the damages repaired and if you're house is UNlivable - they should also pay you to live elsewhere while the repairs are being done...

If it's not a covered peril... for example - just regular wear & tear of the house - they will do nothing... they may even cancel your policy for not keeping upkeep on your home

Answer 2

It depends on your policy type, and what caused the structural damage.  

No matter the cause, they're going to want the damage repaired - even if it's not covered.

**Tori is assuming you have a standard HO3 policy, which includes wind damage.  Many areas of the country do NOT have wind automatically included.  Many people do NOT have a standard HO3 form.  If you have a "named perils" form , as opposed to "risk of direct physical loss" (like the standard HO3), then the burden of proof to show the damage was done by a covered peril, is on the PROPERTY OWNER.  If you have an HO3, the burden of proof is on the INSURANCE COMPANY, to prove it's not covered.  HUGE financial difference there. **