5 Things NOT Covered by Homeowners Insurance (and Why You Should Care)

Homeowners Insurance: What You’re Not Covered For

Let’s be honest — insurance policies are confusing. Between the legal jargon, fine print, and endless coverage options, it’s easy to assume your homeowners insurance has you protected from all angles.

But here’s the hard truth: many standard policies have exclusions that can leave you paying out-of-pocket for major repairs or disasters.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we believe in helping Chicagoland homeowners understand their risks before the unexpected happens. Here’s a breakdown of five common — and often overlooked — exclusions.

Earthquakes and Floods

Think your homeowners policy covers all-natural disasters?
Unfortunately, floods and earthquakes are almost never included in standard policies.

In Chicago and across the Midwest, floods from heavy rains, river overflows, or snowmelt can cause catastrophic damage. Yet most homeowners don’t realize they need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers.

For earthquakes, specialized endorsements or separate policies are also required — even if you live in low-risk zones. Talk to your agent now, not after disaster hits.

Dog Bites from Certain Breeds

Surprised? We were too.

While many homeowners policies cover dog bite liability, insurers often exclude certain breeds labeled as “high risk,” such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, or wolf hybrids.

This means if your dog bites someone and is on that list, you could be personally liable for medical bills or lawsuits. Always check with your insurance company to understand their breed restrictions and explore extra liability coverage if needed.

Repairing Burst Pipes

Here’s a tricky one:

• Water damage from a burst pipe? Covered.
• The cost to fix or replace the pipe itself? Usually not covered.

Homeowners are often shocked to learn that while cleanup and restoration after a pipe failure are covered, the plumbing repair costs fall on them.

Worse, if the pipe burst was due to neglect (like ignoring leaks or not winterizing exposed pipes), the insurer may deny the entire claim — including the water damage. Preventative maintenance is key.

Nuclear Accidents

It sounds extreme, but according to FEMA, roughly three million Americans live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant.

If a nuclear accident causes radiation damage to your home, don’t expect your standard homeowners policy to help. Nuclear events are excluded — often handled under federal disaster programs, not private insurance.

While the risk is low, it’s worth understanding what’s covered if you live near a plant — and having a family emergency plan.

Sinkholes

Sinkholes may seem like something from Florida headlines, but they can happen in many parts of the U.S.

Most homeowners policies do not cover sinkhole damage, unless you live in specific states (like Florida or Tennessee) where “catastrophic ground collapse” is part of mandated coverage.

For everyone else, you’ll need to purchase optional sinkhole coverage if available — and in some cases, it’s hard to obtain or comes with strict qualifications.

What Should You Do Next?

Read your current policy. Don’t wait for an emergency to learn your limits.
Talk to your insurance agent. Ask about endorsements or separate policies for excluded events.
Be proactive. Check your home for maintenance risks (like aging pipes or foundation issues) and fix them before they become insurance headaches.

Understanding what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what is.

Additional Resources

👉 What Homeowners Insurance DOES Cover — Read Our Guide
👉 Learn More About Our Water Damage Restoration Services
👉 Download Our Book: RESTORE — A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home as Your Most Valuable Asset

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from rain or flooding?
A: Standard homeowners insurance usually covers sudden, accidental water damage (like a burst pipe), but not flood damage from rising water, rain, or sewer backups. You need a separate flood insurance policy for that.

Q2: Will homeowners insurance pay for plumbing repairs?
A: Typically, no. Insurance may cover resulting water damage, but the cost to repair or replace the faulty pipe itself is usually the homeowner’s responsibility.

Q3: Are all dog breeds covered under homeowners liability insurance?
A: No — some insurers exclude certain “high-risk” breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers. Always check with your agent to see if your dog’s breed is excluded.

Q4: What insurance covers earthquake or sinkhole damage?
A: You need special endorsements or separate policies for earthquake or sinkhole coverage. These are almost never part of standard homeowners insurance.

Q5: How can I find out what my homeowners policy excludes?
A: The best way is to review your policy documents carefully and have a direct conversation with your insurance agent. Ask specific questions about exclusions and optional coverages.

Our Services

We proudly offer a full range of residential and commercial restoration services, including:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning Services
• Content Cleaning and Packout Services

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is Chicago’s trusted name for disaster restoration services, serving the city, North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County. With 40+ years of local expertise and IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer credentials, we help homeowners recover from water damage, fire, mold, and more.

Need help after a home disaster? Call us at (773) 376-1110 — we’re here 24/7.

Neighborhoods We Serve

Evanston • Wilmette • Kenilworth • Winnetka • Glencoe • Highland Park • Lake Forest • Northbrook • Glenview • Skokie • Deerfield • Riverwoods • Bannockburn • and the greater Chicagoland area