Does house insurance cover chimneys?
Short answer. Yes, a chimney is part of the house, so it is covered against sudden events like lightning, wind, a falling tree or a fire. Gradual problems such as a cracked crown, crumbling mortar, spalling brick or flashing that wore out are maintenance and are not covered.
Covered chimney damage
- Lightning: chimneys are often the tallest point on a roof, and a strike can blow out bricks or crack the flue.
- Wind: a tall, unbraced chimney can be toppled or cracked in a severe storm.
- Falling trees and limbs: damage to the stack, cap and the surrounding roof.
- Hail: dented metal chimney caps, chase covers and flashing.
- Chimney fire: fire is a covered cause, though cleaning the creosote that caused it is maintenance.
Not covered
- Cracked or crumbling crowns and missing mortar
- Bricks flaking from years of absorbing water
- A leaning chimney caused by settling or a failing footing
- Rusted chase covers and caps
- Leaks from old, caulked or reused flashing
Chimneys in a roof replacement claim
When a roof is replaced after storm damage, the chimney flashing is normally replaced with it. A complete estimate includes step flashing, counterflashing cut into the mortar joints, and a cricket where the code requires one. The International Residential Code calls for a cricket when a chimney is more than 30 inches wide on the upslope side and does not meet the ridge. Missing flashing lines are a common reason for a supplement.
Leak at the chimney?
Most chimney leaks are flashing or crown problems, not storm damage. Have it inspected before filing so a maintenance repair does not end up on your claims history. See wear and tear vs storm damage, and Robust Roofing's chimney flashing guide.