Will insurance pay for chimney repair?

Homeowners insurance policies generally cover chimney repairs only if the damage is caused by a sudden, accidental, and specific "peril" outlined in your policy, such as a severe storm, lightning strike, falling tree branch, or windstorm. For instance, if high winds blow away the flashing or a storm knocks down part of the chimney stack, insurance will typically cover the resulting damage after you pay your deductible. Conversely, insurance almost never covers chimney repairs that stem from lack of maintenance, normal wear and tear, settling, aging mortar, or gradual deterioration over time. Additionally, if water seeps into your home because of deteriorated mortar joints or unsealed bricks that were neglected, the insurance company will likely classify this as maintenance neglect and deny the claim. To determine your specific coverage boundaries, carefully review your policy declarations page, document any sudden storm events with photographs, and consult an insurance adjuster to evaluate the cause of the damage.