Can losses due to poor maintenance be claimed under a Homeowners Policy?

Losses due to poor maintenance are generally excluded under a Homeowners Policy because these types of losses are typically categorized as preventable or as a result of negligence. Insurance policies are designed to cover sudden and accidental losses rather than ongoing issues related to lack of proper upkeep.

For instance, if a roof leaks due to age, wear, or insufficient maintenance, it would not be covered, as these are conditions that homeowners are expected to manage proactively. Insurance is intended to provide financial protection against unexpected events, rather than regular maintenance expenses. Therefore, the understanding that losses attributable to poor maintenance are excluded aligns with standard provisions found in most homeowners insurance policies.

While there are exceptions depending on the specific language in a policy, the general rule is that insurers do not cover issues that arise from the failure to maintain one's property.