Why Homeowners Insurance Isn't a Maintenance Plan—And What That Means for You

Many Utah homeowners assume their insurance policy will cover anything that goes wrong with their house.

That’s not how it works.

At Bowthorpe Insurance, we’ve seen firsthand how this misunderstanding causes confusion, denied claims, and rising premiums. Let’s clarify what your home insurance actually does—and what it doesn’t do—so you can avoid costly mistakes and get the most value out of your policy.

Home Insurance Covers Risk, Not Routine Repairs

A home insurance policy is designed to protect you from sudden and accidental loss. This includes:

• A kitchen fire that causes structural damage

• A windstorm that tears off part of your roof

• A pipe that unexpectedly bursts and floods your home

These are examples of qualifying incidents because they’re unpredictable and cause significant damage quickly.

But insurance doesn't cover:

• Old shingles that leak over time

• Water heaters that break down after years of use

• Cracks in the foundation from natural settling

Those issues fall under home maintenance, and you’re expected to pay for them out of pocket. That’s not because your insurance company is being difficult—it’s because these aren't insurable risks. They’re considered the cost of owning a home.

The Most Common Misunderstanding About Insurance

We talk with homeowners in Davis County, Salt Lake, and across Utah who think of insurance as a warranty or maintenance plan.

It’s not.

A warranty is for mechanical failure or normal wear and tear. Insurance is for unexpected loss. Treating one like the other can lead to real problems:

• Claims being denied

• Higher premiums at renewal

• Trouble switching carriers

• Long-term red flags on your insurance record

And in the worst-case scenario, repeated or inappropriate claims can result in being dropped altogether.

Why Insurance Agents and Companies Get a Bad Rap

It’s easy to blame the insurance company or agent when a claim is denied. But often, they’re acting as your first line of defense against a bigger issue: claim misuse.

For example, some roofing contractors will inspect your roof after a storm and recommend filing a claim, even if the damage is minimal. They may say it will be “fully covered,” but if the insurance adjuster disagrees, you’ve now got a claim on your record—without any payout.

That’s where an experienced independent insurance agent comes in.

At Bowthorpe Insurance, we advise our clients to call us before filing a claim. We’ll review the situation, explain your coverage, and help you decide if filing is the right move. We don’t work for the insurance companies—we work for you.

When You Should Use Your Insurance Policy

Insurance is a tool, and like any tool, it’s meant for the right job.

Here’s when you should lean on your homeowners insurance:

• Significant damage has occurred suddenly (e.g., a tree falls on your house during a storm)

• Repair costs exceed your deductible and would cause financial strain

• The event is clearly covered under your policy, based on the language regarding perils

Not sure if a situation qualifies? Call us at (801) 487-2300. It’s better to talk to your agent first than to file a claim that shouldn't have been made.

Why You Need a Long-Term Strategy for Homeownership

Insurance is one layer of your financial safety net, not the only one. If you're treating it as your primary safety net, you're exposing yourself to risk.

To protect your home and finances, we recommend this three-part strategy:

1. Budget for Maintenance

Expect to spend 1% to 2% of your home’s value annually on repairs and upkeep. That might cover:

• Roof patching

• HVAC servicing

• Plumbing or electrical fixes

These aren’t insurable, but they’re necessary to prevent worse damage.

2. Understand Your Deductible

A common deductible for home insurance in Utah is $1,000 or more. Filing a claim for anything less makes little sense and can harm your insurance record.

3. Know When to Call Your Agent

We routinely take calls from homeowners unsure whether to file a claim. If you’re asking yourself, “Should I call my insurance?”—the answer is yes, but start with your agent, not the carrier.

Real Conversations. Real Clarity.

In a recent client chat, someone shared they were considering a new metal roof and wondered how that might relate to their insurance. The truth is, unless a storm caused covered damage, insurance won’t pay for upgrades or replacements.

And when you do file a claim, companies rely on third-party adjusters and estimators to confirm that the damage is legitimate and significant. These third parties act as a buffer to ensure roofing contractors or repair companies aren’t taking advantage of the system.

Homeowners often see this as red tape. But it’s there to prevent fraudulent claims—and to keep premiums fair for everyone.

Call Before You Claim

If you're a homeowner in Bountiful, Utah, or anywhere along the Wasatch Front,

Bowthorpe Insurance is here to guide you.

We don’t just sell policies—we help you manage risk and avoid the pitfalls of using your insurance the wrong way. Whether you're worried about hail damage, curious about roof replacements, or wondering what your policy actually covers, we’ll give you a straight answer.

Contact us today:

📞 (801) 487-2300🌐 www.bowthorpeinsurance.com

FAQ

Will my insurance cover replacing my roof? Only if the roof was damaged by a covered event, like wind or hail. It won't cover replacement due to age or normal wear.

Can I use home insurance for plumbing or HVAC issues? No. Systems that break down from age or use are considered maintenance items. They're not covered under standard policies.

What happens if I file a claim and it gets denied? It still shows up on your claims history, which can raise your rates or affect your ability to switch providers—even if no money was paid out.

How often should I review my coverage? We recommend reviewing your policy every year or after any major home updates. Your coverage needs to match your property’s current condition.

Are independent agents better than going direct? Independent agents represent multiple carriers and work for you—not the insurance company. You get more choice and personalized advice.