Are chimneys covered by home insurance?
Chimney fires
A sudden chimney fire is normally covered as fire damage, including a cracked flue liner, damaged firebox or smoke damage inside. Insurers may push back when the evidence points to years of creosote buildup and no real fire event, so keep records of cleanings. The National Fire Protection Association standard for chimneys calls for an inspection at least once a year, and that paper trail helps if you ever file.
Storm and impact damage
- Lightning: a masonry chimney is often the tallest point on the house, and a strike can blow bricks off the top. Usually covered.
- Wind and hail: torn caps, dented chase covers on framed chimneys, and loosened flashing. Usually covered.
- Falling trees and limbs: covered for the chimney and the roof around it.
What is not covered
Spalling brick, eroded mortar joints, a cracked crown, rusted flashing and a chimney pulling away from the house because of foundation settling are wear or ground movement, which policies exclude. Earthquake requires its own endorsement.
Chimney leaks
Most chimney leaks come from flashing or the crown and are maintenance repairs. If a storm tore the flashing, though, the leak and the interior damage can be part of a claim. When the roof is replaced after hail or wind, chimney flashing, counterflashing and a cricket on wider chimneys belong in the estimate. See how roof estimates are written and code upgrade coverage.