What homeowners insurance doesn't cover

Most homeowners only learn what their policy excludes after a loss. These are the gaps that catch people most often, and what you can do about each one before you need it.

By the Fast Insurance Group editorial teamPublished by Marcus L. Barber, former licensed Maryland property and casualty producer (2010–2012)Reviewed by Marcus L. Barber on October 17, 2026Updated October 17, 2026

This guide is general education, not advice for your situation. We're an independent publisher, not an insurer or agent, and we may earn a commission from partner links. How we make money.

Flood

Damage from flooding, meaning rising water from storms, rivers, storm surge or heavy rain overwhelming the ground, isn't covered by homeowners or renters policies. It's the biggest gap for most people, and many don't realize it: in a 2020 Insurance Information Institute survey, only 27% of homeowners said they had flood insurance.

Flood risk isn't limited to mapped flood zones. Nearly one-third (29%) of claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program from 2014 to 2024 came from properties outside high-risk areas.

How to cover it

• NFIP policies, sold through insurance agents and some insurers, cover up to $250,000 for the building and up to $100,000 for contents.
• Private flood insurance is available in many areas and may offer higher limits.
• Plan ahead: NFIP coverage usually takes effect 30 days after purchase. The main exceptions are when it's bought as part of getting or refinancing a mortgage, or within 13 months after a flood map change puts your home in a high-risk area.

If your home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required.

Earthquake

Earthquake damage, and often other earth movement such as landslides, is commonly excluded. You can usually buy earthquake coverage as an endorsement or a separate policy. It often has a high percentage-based deductible, so check how much you'd pay before coverage kicks in.

Sewer and drain backup

Water that backs up through drains or overflows from a sump pump is limited or not covered by many standard policies. A water backup endorsement is usually inexpensive and worth considering if you have a finished basement.

This is different from a burst pipe. Sudden, accidental water damage from plumbing is generally covered; slow leaks you could have repaired are not. If you're dealing with water in your home right now, our sister site Home Water Damage Help explains what to do when a pipe burstsand how to handle basement water problems.

Wear and tear

Homeowners insurance pays for sudden, accidental damage. It doesn't pay to fix things that wear out or fail because of age or poor upkeep, such as an old roof that starts leaking, rotted wood, or damage from pests like termites. Keeping up with maintenance protects both your home and your ability to claim.

Mold

Mold coverage is limited or excluded in many policies, especially when it results from long-term moisture. Some insurers offer an endorsement with a set limit. See does homeowners insurance cover mold?for when it's covered, and Home Water Damage Help's mold guides for cleanup.

Other gaps

• Coastal windstorms: in some coastal areas, wind and hurricane damage is excluded and must be insured through a separate policy or state wind pool.
• High-value items: jewelry, art and collectibles have low theft limits unless you schedule them.
• Home businesses: business equipment and liability are usually limited; you may need a business policy.
• Short-term rentals: renting your home out may not be covered without an endorsement.

Check your own policy

Your policy's declarations page lists your coverages and endorsements, and the exclusions section lists what isn't covered. When you compare quotes, ask each insurer which of these gaps it can fill and at what price. See our home insurance guide for how to set your limits.