
Home insurance exclusions are the specific situations and types of damage your policy typically does not cover—most commonly flood, earthquake, wear-and-tear, long-term leaks, pests, and certain high-value items beyond set limits. Knowing these exclusions helps you avoid surprises, add the right endorsements, and keep your protection realistic for your home in Greenville, SC.
Home Insurance Exclusions: What Your Policy Usually Won’t Cover
Why Exclusions Matter More Than The Coverage You Remember
Most homeowners can name what insurance “covers” in general terms: fire, storms, theft, liability. The bigger problems usually come from what’s not covered—because exclusions show up after a loss, when people are already stressed. In our work with clients, a common issue we see is homeowners assuming that “damage is damage,” when policies are built around specific causes of loss and specific responsibilities of homeownership.
Exclusions aren’t fine print designed to trick you. They exist because insurance is intended for sudden, accidental events—not predictable maintenance or high-frequency losses that homeowners can prevent through upkeep.
Exclusion: Flood And Rising Water
This is the most important exclusion to understand because it’s both common and costly. Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Flood is generally defined as water rising from outside the home—such as heavy rainfall runoff, overflow from bodies of water, or storm surge.
What this means in real life:
- Water entering from the ground up is often treated as flood
- A storm that causes both wind damage and flood damage can create a split claim scenario
- Even homes outside mapped high-risk zones can still flood
What to do instead:
- Consider a separate flood insurance policy if flood exposure is a concern
- Review what “flood” means under the options available to you
- Don’t assume “not in a flood zone” equals “no risk”
Exclusion: Earthquake And Earth Movement
Most standard policies exclude damage caused by earth movement. That can include:
- Earthquakes
- Landslides and mudslides (often treated as earth movement)
- Sinkholes (varies by policy and region)
What to do instead:
- If earthquake risk is relevant for your area or your comfort level, ask about separate coverage or endorsements
- Understand that even if a quake triggers secondary issues (like foundation cracking), the cause of loss may still fall under an earth movement exclusion
Exclusion: Wear-And-Tear, Deterioration, And Maintenance Issues
Home insurance is not a home warranty. Most policies exclude damage from:
- Wear-and-tear
- Aging materials
- Rust, corrosion, or rot
- Settling, cracking, or shrinking of foundations and structures (beyond sudden events)
A common misunderstanding we see is around older roofs, older plumbing, and older HVAC systems. If something fails due to age, the failure itself is typically not covered. If that failure causes sudden damage (like a burst pipe), the resulting damage may be covered—but any long-term deterioration or neglected maintenance often is not.
Practical tip: keep maintenance records and address small issues quickly. Documentation can help clarify what was sudden versus what was ongoing.
Exclusion: Long-Term Leaks, Seepage, And Mold From Ongoing Moisture
Many policies exclude or limit coverage for damage caused by:
- Repeated seepage or leakage over time
- Hidden water damage that occurs gradually
- Mold or fungus related to ongoing moisture (often limited even when covered)
This is one of the most common claim disputes because homeowners frequently discover damage late—after moisture has been present for weeks or months.
What to do instead:
- Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances periodically
- Replace failing caulk/grout and repair small plumbing leaks promptly
- Ask about water backup coverage (different from flood) and any limited mold endorsements that may be available
Exclusion: Sewer Or Drain Backup (Unless Added)
Water backup from sewers or drains is often excluded unless you add a specific endorsement. This coverage can be critical for homes with:
- Finished basements
- Lower-level bathrooms
- Sump pumps
- Older drain systems
If added, the endorsement often has a specific limit. That limit should reflect the value of what could be damaged, not just the cost of cleanup.
Exclusion: Pests And Infestations
Homeowners policies typically exclude damage from:
- Termites
- Rodents
- Insects and infestations
- Damage caused by pets (varies by situation)
These exclusions exist because pest prevention is considered a maintenance responsibility. If termites weaken a beam over time, that deterioration isn’t a sudden accidental event.
Practical step: periodic pest inspections and prompt remediation can prevent expensive structural issues that insurance won’t cover.
Exclusion: Intentional Loss And Certain Types Of Neglect
Intentional damage is excluded, and policies may also exclude losses tied to neglect—especially when you fail to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after an incident.
Example: if a pipe bursts, you’re generally expected to mitigate—shut off water, dry the area, and prevent additional damage. If damage expands because no action was taken, insurers may limit payment for the avoidable portion.
Exclusion: High-Value Items Beyond Category Limits
Most policies cover personal property, but many set special limits for categories like:
- Jewelry and watches
- Fine art and collectibles
- Firearms
- Silverware
- Certain electronics
- Cash and securities
That means your items may be covered, but not for their full value. In our work with clients, we often find people who assume their personal property limit automatically applies to each item. It doesn’t—category sublimits can restrict payout.
What to do instead:
- Create a quick inventory (photos + estimated values)
- Consider scheduling high-value items for broader coverage and higher limits
- Keep appraisals or receipts for items you schedule
Exclusion: Certain Dog-Related And Liability Situations
Liability coverage can be strong, but it’s not unlimited. Depending on the policy and insurer, there may be limitations or exclusions related to:
- Certain dog breeds or bite history
- Business activity conducted from the home
- Certain high-risk activities (trampolines, pools, or other hazards depending on underwriting rules)
If you have frequent visitors, run a home-based business, or have features that increase injury risk, it’s worth confirming how your liability coverage applies.
Exclusion: Business Property And Business Activities (Beyond Small Limits)
If you work from home or keep business equipment at home, homeowners insurance may provide limited coverage for business property. But it typically doesn’t cover the full range of business risks, like professional liability, client injuries related to services, or loss of business income.
What to do instead:
- Ask about a home-based business endorsement if your activity qualifies
- Consider a separate business policy if your operations are more than minimal
Exclusion: Certain Types Of Weather-Related Damage
Wind and hail are commonly covered, but policies can have special deductibles or roof settlement terms (especially on older roofs). Also, certain weather-related scenarios can be excluded depending on cause of loss—for example, water intrusion due to wear-and-tear rather than a covered opening created by wind.
Practical tip: know your deductible structure. If you have a separate wind/hail deductible, it can change the economics of filing a claim.
Driving and commuting patterns also matter because after big storms, claims volume rises and repair timelines can stretch. Near Falls Park on the Reedy, severe weather can create widespread demand for contractors, which can influence restoration time and costs—important when you think about your coverage limits and claim planning.
How To Review Your Policy For Exclusions Without Getting Lost
You don’t need to read every page to get value. Focus on these areas:
- The exclusions section (scan for water, earth movement, maintenance, and pests)
- Special limits of liability (sublimits for valuables)
- Deductibles (standard vs wind/hail vs other deductibles)
- Endorsements (what you’ve added, and the limits for each add-on)
- Loss settlement terms (replacement cost vs actual cash value for roof or contents)
If anything is unclear, ask for a coverage summary in plain language, then confirm it against the policy terms.
Common Add-Ons That Help Close Exclusion Gaps
Not every exclusion can be “covered,” but many common gaps can be improved with endorsements or separate policies, such as:
- Flood insurance (separate policy)
- Earthquake coverage (separate policy or endorsement where available)
- Water backup coverage (endorsement)
- Scheduled personal property (endorsement)
- Increased limits for mold or fungus (when offered)
- Equipment breakdown coverage (when offered)
The right add-ons depend on your property type, your valuables, and your risk tolerance—not generic advice.
Conclusion
Home insurance exclusions are not a reason to panic—they’re a reason to plan. When you understand what your policy usually won’t cover (flood, earth movement, wear-and-tear, long-term leaks, pests, and certain valuables beyond limits), you can make smarter choices about endorsements and separate policies, and you’ll be far less likely to face a surprise during a claim. If you’d like help reviewing your homeowners policy and
identifying practical gaps to address in Greenville, SC, we can help you align coverage with your home and your budget.
At Priority Insurance LLC, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (864) 297-9744. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.
Priority Insurance LLC
Greenville, SC
(864) 297-9744
https://www.priorityi.com/









