If you’re like many people, you may have invested in hardwood floors for your home. They are a beautiful and timeless addition to any space, and they can add value to your property. But what happens if something happens to them? Will your homeowners insurance policy cover the damage? In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question and give you some tips on how to protect your investment.
Hardwood Flooring and Home Insurance
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage to your floors that is caused by fire, wind, hail, water, or theft. This is because these are all considered to be “acts of God” or events that are out of your control. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
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For example, if your hardwood floors are damaged by a flood, you will likely not be covered unless you have purchased a separate flood insurance policy. Other exceptions include damage from termites or other pests, in which cases you may not be covered. And if the damage is due to wear and tear or poor maintenance, your policy may not cover it either.
The Deductible
Another important factor to consider is your deductible. This is the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket before your insurance policy will cover the rest. So, if you have a $500 deductible and the damage to your hardwood floors costs $2000 to repair, you will only receive $1500 from your insurance company.
It’s important to know what your deductible is and to factor it into your decision of whether or not to file a claim. In many cases, it may make more financial sense to pay for the repairs yourself rather than go through your insurance company.
Protecting Your Investment
Of course, the best way to protect your hardwood floors is to prevent damage from happening in the first place. There are a few things you can do to help protect your hardwood floors and make sure they are covered by your insurance policy.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance & Repairs
First, be sure to keep up with regular maintenance and repairs. This will help to prevent any damage that could be caused by neglect. For example, if a loose floorboard is not repaired and someone steps on it, the insurance company may not cover the damage because it was due to poor maintenance. You should also avoid placing heavy furniture or appliances on your hardwood floors. This can cause scratches or other damage.
Clean & Polish Your Hardwood Floors Regularly
In the same vein, it’s important to clean and polish your hardwood floors regularly. This will help to prevent any scratches or other damage that could be caused by dirt and debris. Cleaning up spills quickly is especially important because water damage is one of the most common claims made for hardwood floors.
Use Rugs & Carpets in High-Traffic Areas
Finally, you may want to consider using rugs or carpets in high-traffic areas. This will help to protect your floors from any wear and tear that can occur from foot traffic. However, you should be careful not to let the rugs or carpets get too dirty, as this can cause a buildup of dirt and debris that can scratch your floors.
Beware of Buildup
In general, you should be aware of any buildup that can occur on your hardwood floors. This includes dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can actually cause damage to your floors.
Prevent Hardwood from Scratches
You should also take care to prevent your hardwood floors from being scratched. This can be done by using furniture pads under any chairs or tables, and by avoiding high heels or other shoes with sharp objects on the bottom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeowners insurance will usually cover damage to your hardwood floors that is caused by fire, wind, hail, water, or theft. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and you will likely have to pay a deductible before your insurance company will cover the repairs. The best way to protect your hardwood floors is to prevent damage from happening in the first place.
