Does homeowners insurance cover fireplace damage?
Short answer. It covers fireplace damage from sudden covered events such as a chimney fire, lightning, smoke, or water that came in through a storm-damaged chimney cap or flashing. Cracked firebrick, worn dampers and deterioration from normal use or age are maintenance and are not covered.
Covered causes
- Chimney fire: cracked flue tiles, a damaged damper and smoke damage to the room.
- Lightning: masonry cracks and electrical damage nearby.
- Storm water: rain that entered after wind tore off the cap or bent the flashing, staining the surround, mantel or nearby walls.
- Sudden accidents: something heavy falling and cracking the hearth, depending on the policy.
Not covered
- Firebrick cracked from years of heating and cooling.
- Rusted dampers and worn gaskets.
- Water stains from a missing cap that was never replaced.
- Creosote buildup and cleaning.
Follow the water up
Many fireplace stains start at the top of the chimney. If the cap, chase cover or flashing was damaged by a storm, the water damage below can be part of the same claim as the roof. If the source is cracked mortar or a crown that was never sealed, it is maintenance. See interior water damage from a roof leak, and wind damage roof claims for how a cap lost to wind is handled.
Before you use it again
After a chimney fire or a lightning strike, have the flue inspected before lighting another fire. The inspection report also documents the claim, so ask for photos or video of the liner.