Absolute Chimney and Fireplace Restoration

What to Know About Insurance Claims

Proper chimney maintenance and upkeep could make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful insurance claim.

Life is full of both good and bad surprises. An unexpected chimney fire, or inclement weather would probably classify as the latter. Not only can these events cause some serious and costly damage to your chimney and fireplace, but your home as well.

Normally a chimney fire or damage caused by heavy winds, unexpected rain/hail, or even a lightning strike may be covered by your homeowners insurance. Most policies, however, will not allow you to make a claim if the chimney in question was in disarray before the unexpected event.

One of the biggest culprits in unexpected chimney fires is creosote. Creosote is the solid smoke particle that remains inside your chimney after the smoke passes through and cools down into a solid, very flammable, substance. If a lack of regular maintenance and cleaning results in a large buildup of creosote, your insurance may not cover damages that arise from any future chimney fires.