Does home insurance cover chimney damage?
Short answer. Yes, when a sudden covered event causes it: lightning, a falling tree, wind that topples the chimney, hail on a metal chase cover, or a fire. Crumbling mortar, cracked crowns, leaning from settling and damage from years of moisture are maintenance and usually not covered.
Events that are usually covered
- Lightning: chimneys are often the tallest point on a house and can be split or blown apart.
- Falling trees and limbs: damage to the masonry, cap and roof around it.
- Wind: toppled chimney tops, blown off caps and chase covers, lifted flashing.
- Hail: dents in metal caps, chase covers and flashing.
- Fire: including damage from a chimney fire under many policies.
- Vehicle impact: rare, but covered as a sudden event.
Usually excluded
- Mortar erosion and spalling brick from moisture and age.
- Crown cracks that developed over time.
- Leaning or separation from foundation settling.
- Earthquake damage, unless you added earthquake coverage.
- Animal damage inside the flue.
Chimney leaks are often roof claims
Most chimney leaks come from the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. If a storm lifted or tore that flashing, it is part of the roof claim; if the sealant simply aged out, it is maintenance. Photograph the chimney from all sides and include it when you report storm damage, so masonry and roof damage go on one claim with one deductible.
See wind damage roof claims and wear and tear vs storm damage.