Are Foundation Issues Covered by Homeowners Insurance in Washington State?

Foundation problems can be one of the costliest repairs a homeowner faces — especially in Washington, where heavy rain, clay soil, and shifting ground can all take a toll on a home’s structure. If you start seeing cracks or uneven floors, you might wonder: does my homeowners insurance cover foundation damage?

The short answer is: sometimes — but only if the cause is covered by your policy. Let’s break it down.

When Homeowners Insurance Does Cover Foundation Repairs

Homeowners insurance in Washington generally covers damage caused by sudden and accidental events, also known as covered perils. If one of these events leads to foundation damage, your insurer may help pay for repairs.

Covered causes often include:

• Burst pipes or sudden water damage — for example, a pipe bursts under the foundation and floods the crawl space.
• Fires or explosions — if firefighting water or structural collapse affects your foundation.
• Falling trees or debris — especially common in Washington’s stormy seasons.
• Vehicle impact — if a car crashes into your home and damages the structure.
• Severe storms, hail, or lightning strikes — while rare, these can cause direct foundation cracks or water intrusion.

If your foundation damage can be directly linked to one of these events — and not to gradual deterioration — you may have a valid claim.

When Foundation Issues Are Not Covered

Washington’s wet climate means many foundation problems stem from gradual water intrusion, poor drainage, or soil movement — all typically excluded from standard home insurance policies.

Your policy likely won’t cover damage caused by:

• Natural soil settling or shifting
• Long-term water leaks or flooding
• Poor drainage or clogged gutters
• Tree root intrusion
• Earthquakes or landslides (unless you have special coverage)
• Poor construction or foundation design flaws

These are considered maintenance issues, meaning homeowners are responsible for prevention and upkeep.

Special Considerations for Washington Homeowners

Washington’s geology and climate make foundation protection more complex than in many other states:

• Flooding: Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. You’ll need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
• Earthquakes: Washington lies along major fault lines. Standard policies exclude earthquakes, but you can purchase earthquake insurance to protect your foundation and structure.
• Drainage: Many foundation problems in the Pacific Northwest come from poor site drainage. Insurers expect homeowners to maintain gutters, downspouts, and grading to prevent standing water.

How to Protect Your Foundation and Your Coverage

1. Inspect your home regularly – look for cracks, water pooling, or sloping floors.
2. Keep drainage systems clear – clean gutters twice a year and redirect water away from your home.
3. Document everything – take photos before and after storms or repairs.
4. Review your policy annually – confirm what perils are covered and add endorsements if needed.
5. Consider optional coverage – flood and earthquake add-ons are especially smart in Washington.

What to Do If You Suspect Foundation Damage

1. Take photos and notes – document cracks or shifts immediately.
2. Hire a structural engineer – to confirm whether the damage is caused by a covered peril.
3. Contact your insurance company – explain what happened and submit the engineer’s report.
4. Get multiple repair estimates – insurers often require detailed cost breakdowns.

If the engineer confirms the damage was caused by a covered event, your insurer may approve the claim and pay for repairs or restoration.

Final Thoughts

Homeowners insurance in Washington can cover foundation issues, but only if they stem from a sudden and accidental event. Damage from gradual settling, rainwater, or poor construction usually isn’t covered.

To stay protected, review your policy, keep your drainage systems maintained, and consider flood or earthquake insurance for full peace of mind.