Are Driveways Covered by Homeowners Insurance in Colorado?

If there is a sudden and accidental cause of damage covered by your home policy to your driveway, then home insurance in Colorado will cover it in most cases. Everyone’s policy is different but most standard home insurance policies (HO3 policies) will cover the loss.

The key to remember is that in order for home insurance driveway repair claims to be successful, the loss will have needed to be something your policy would cover the structure of your home for. Some common examples include:

• Ice and hail damage
• A tree falling on your driveway
• Other falling objects
• Fire damage
• Potentially, the damage caused by other vehicles

 

Every situation is different as is every policy. You’ll want to be sure what your specific homeowners insurance policy protects you against. Furthermore, you’ll want to be sure how your Colorado home insurance policy protects your driveway.

Homeowner insurance in Colorado will cover you in a variety of ways through multiple coverages. There are two that may apply to your driveway:

• Coverage A is Dwelling Coverage and protects your home’s structure.
• Coverage B is Other Structures Coverage and will protect things like fencing, detached garages, etc. found throughout the property.

 

Depending on how your home insurance policy covers driveways will depend on the coverage responsible. This also means you’ll have differing coverage limits as each coverage has its own guidelines as to how much protection you have when you file a claim.

 

Common Reasons Home Insurance Won’t Cover Driveways in Colorado

While you’ll find plenty of protection for sudden and accidental damage to your driveway in your Colorado home insurance policy, many common issues afflicting them aren’t covered. Additional coverage options may be available, however, here are some losses you’ll need to be aware of:

• Flood damage isn’t covered by a home insurance policy. Therefore, if flooding causes damage to your driveway, you’ll need to have a flood insurance policy to submit a claim.
• General wear and tear is going to happen as a driveway is used, and to fix such repairs, you’ll need to pay out of pocket.
• Earth movement, such as earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, and mudslides, aren’t covered and while some accidents with vehicles may be covered, if you have too much weight on your concrete causing movement, it’s likely not going to be covered either.
• If a tree falls on your driveway, home insurance will cover the damage, however, tree root damage from underneath is not going to be covered.
• While ice damage may be covered, one major threat Colorado driveways face is the cycle of thawing and freezing. Many home insurance policies exclude this peril from coverage. Be sure to check with your carrier when you enroll in coverage to better understand your risks.

 

Home Insurance Driveway Repair Tips for Colorado

Some things are unavoidable and in many ways, this is exactly why home insurance is there for you. But there are times in which you’ll need to repair your driveway from damage it suffers. Furthermore, it’s important to prevent damage whenever possible. Here are a few helpful tips to maintain your driveway for years to come:

• Be mindful of weight. You don’t want to position heavy vehicles or objects on your driveway, especially in vulnerable parts that already have issues or areas that may be unlevel. Stay away from the edges when possible.
• When you do have to place something with significant weight on your driveway, be sure to distribute it evenly in order to help alleviate stress points.
• Using sealant can help homeowners in Colorado as frost, snow, ice, etc. can thaw in the colder months and cause harm to driveways as a result.
• That small spill of gasoline or oil leak may not seem like much, but over time, such fluid can wreak havoc on concrete and asphalt. Regardless of the material used to create your driveway, be sure to wash such spills away to get the most out of it for years to come.

 

Remember, wear and tear isn’t covered by an insurance policy and it’s up to you as a homeowner to make sure your driveway lasts as long as it can. Most driveways when properly maintained can last at least 20 to 30 years on average. Do your part and you’ll have fewer issues for decades to come.

 

Can Paving Your Driveway Save You on Home Insurance in Colorado?

To say that paving a new driveway would save you money on home insurance is a common thing, wouldn’t be exactly accurate. Different carriers provide different discounts but having a new driveway won’t save you on premium the way having a new roof will.

The best way to save on home insurance in Colorado is to shop among many different brands and find coverage that meets your needs at the lowest possible price. Here’s how the team at Freedom Insurance Group does this for homeowners throughout the Centennial State:

• We have partnerships with many top-rated home insurance providers in Colorado.
• Our relationships allow us to gain access to a variety of bundles and discounts.
• Because we work with a variety of brands, we can compare your coverage needs. You can rest easy knowing you’re getting the lowest price because we work for you and not an individual brand.
• Driveways aren’t the only complicated situation that may arise and it’s good to have a team behind you. Our customer service is unmatched and there for you when you need it the most.

If you want to save money on premiums, bundling is important, but comparing your options is the best way to be sure you aren’t overpaying. Contact our team or get a free, no-obligation home insurance quote for your coverage in Colorado today.