Insurance Claim on Chimney Liner?

[ehanson7]

Sorry if this isn't the proper forum for this question...

I'm curious about placing a homeowners claim on my failed chimney in order to have a stainless steel liner installed. The inspection came back with cracks and holes in the mortar joints cause by freezing water expanding and eroding the mortar away. Would this kind of damage typically warrant a claim?

Thanks!

 

[chimneylinerjames]

In my experience of doing insurance estimates, they never cover this type of damage. They cover "sudden occurrence" damage, such as a lightning strike or chimney fire. They consider water damage sorta like wood rotting.

 

[ehanson7]

You're right. My insurance guy explained it pretty much like you said.

 

[Ed Williams]

Insurance covers sudden, traumatic failure. Ice/water damage is "normal" wear and tear.