Can you get homeowners insurance for a stucco house Top1

Can You Get Homeowners Insurance for a Stucco House? The Complete Answer

Yes, you can get homeowners insurance for a stucco house, but whether damage is covered depends entirely on its cause.

Quick Answer:

Yes, you can get homeowners insurance for stucco homes.
Covered: Damage from storms, fire, and vandalism.
Not Covered: Damage from poor installation, gradual moisture, and wear and tear.
EIFS (synthetic stucco): May face higher premiums or coverage refusal.
The Key: Coverage hinges on whether damage was sudden and accidental, not gradual.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that gradual water damage, a common issue lurking behind stucco, is often excluded from standard policies. The challenge isn’t getting a policy; it’s understanding what that policy actually covers when a problem arises.

Insurers operate on the “sudden and accidental” principle. A storm tearing off stucco is covered. Moisture seeping in over years due to a construction defect is not. This distinction is critical because stucco repairs are expensive, with minor fixes costing $5,000-$15,000 and full remediation potentially exceeding $75,000.

I’m Gabe Kesslick, a certified stucco inspector with over 20 years of experience. I’ve helped countless homeowners steer insurance claims for stucco homes. Through forensic inspections, I’ve seen how proper documentation can be the deciding factor in getting a claim approved.

Simple can you get homeowners insurance for a stucco house glossary:

The Big Question: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Stucco Damage?

When it comes to stucco damage, insurance coverage boils down to one principle: “sudden and accidental.”

Homeowners insurance is a safety net for unforeseen disasters, not a maintenance plan. Most homeowners have an HO-3 policy, which covers damage from any cause unless it’s specifically excluded. For stucco, the exclusions are critical.

For example, a pipe that suddenly bursts and damages your stucco is covered. However, water that slowly seeps in over months due to poor installation is considered gradual damage and is typically not covered. The first event was sudden; the second was a long-term issue.

If I can get homeowners insurance for a stucco house, what damage is covered?

Your policy will likely cover damage from a “covered peril.” These are sudden events that are out of your control.

Storm Damage: High winds, hail, or lightning strikes that directly damage your stucco are almost always covered.
Fire Damage: If a fire damages your home, the related stucco damage is included in the claim. Stucco is naturally flame-resistant, which is a plus.
Vandalism and Falling Objects: Graffiti spray-painted on your stucco or damage from a falling tree branch are typically covered.
Sudden Water Damage: This includes events like a burst pipe or an ice dam that causes an abrupt water influx. The key word is sudden.

For more details on standard policies, see what a standard homeowners policy typically covers from the Insurance Information Institute.

What damage is excluded when you get homeowners insurance for a stucco house?

This is where most homeowners get caught off guard. Even though you can get homeowners insurance for a stucco house, many common stucco problems are excluded.

Faulty Workmanship & Construction Defects: If the stucco was installed improperly from the start (e.g., missing flashing), your insurer will deny the claim, classifying it as a construction defect, not an insurable event.
Lack of Maintenance & Wear and Tear: Insurers expect you to maintain your home. Ignoring small cracks that grow larger or failing to perform routine sealing can lead to a denial. Normal wear and tear, like hairline cracks, is not covered.
Gradual Moisture Intrusion: This is the biggest reason for claim denials. Water that seeps in slowly over time due to failing caulk or installation flaws causes mold and rot, which insurers view as a maintenance issue.
Earth Movement: Damage from earthquakes or landslides requires a separate policy.
Pest Infestations: Damage from termites or other pests is generally not covered, even if they are attracted to moisture-damaged wood behind the stucco.

Understanding these exclusions is key to knowing when your policy will protect you and when repair costs will be your responsibility.

Why Stucco Claims Get Complicated: Installation, Moisture, and Liability

Getting a claim approved for a stucco house is complex because the main culprit is often trapped moisture, which insurers frequently deny under “faulty workmanship” or “gradual damage” exclusions.

When water gets trapped behind stucco, it causes rot and mold, leading to expensive structural damage. Understanding builder liability, the “ensuing loss” clause, and stucco types is critical to navigating a claim.

The Critical Role of Proper Installation

Proper stucco installation is everything. If damage stems from shoddy work, your homeowners insurance will likely deny the claim, calling it a construction defect. However, you may not be stuck with the bill. Liability can shift to the contractor or builder’s insurance. Your insurer might even pursue them for reimbursement through a process called subrogation.

Be aware of strict time limits. Statutes of Repose typically give you only 4 to 10 years from the completion of construction to file a claim against a builder. Missing this window can leave you without recourse. This is why a professional inspection is so important, as detailed in our guide, Is It a Risk to Buy Stucco House?.

Understanding “Ensuing Loss” for Resulting Damage

Even if the initial cause of damage (like faulty installation) is excluded, an “ensuing loss” clause may provide coverage for the resulting damage. Think of it this way: the policy won’t cover the bad installation, but it might cover the wood rot, mold, or insulation damage that followed. Arguing for this coverage can be difficult, and a forensic inspection report provides the expert evidence needed to make a strong case.

Are Some Stucco Types Harder to Insure?

Yes, the type of stucco on your home significantly impacts insurability.

Traditional hard-coat stucco (cement-based) is generally easy to insure if it’s in good condition.
EIFS (synthetic stucco) is much harder to insure. Older EIFS systems installed in the 1990s often lacked proper drainage, leading to widespread moisture problems. As a result, many insurers refuse to cover EIFS homes, charge higher premiums, or require a professional inspection.

Modern drainable EIFS systems are much safer and more acceptable to insurers because they allow moisture to escape. Proving you have a drainable system can be the key to getting coverage. For more information, see our guide on EIFS Home Insurance.

A Homeowner’s Action Plan for Stucco Damage

If you suspect or find stucco damage, a proactive and methodical approach is essential for a successful insurance claim. Waiting until damage is obvious often means it’s too late for coverage, as insurers will classify it as a long-term problem.

By the time you see a large crack or stain, the real damage has likely been happening behind the scenes for years—exactly what insurance companies don’t want to cover.

Step 1: Identify the Warning Signs

Knowing what to look for can save you thousands. Many stucco problems leave subtle clues.

Exterior Signs: Look for cracks wider than 1/8 inch, bulges or blisters in the stucco, dark streaks or stains (especially below windows), and white, chalky deposits known as efflorescence.
Interior Signs: Be alert for damp spots on walls, persistent musty smells, warped window sills or baseboards that feel soft, and an increase in pests like termites or carpenter ants.

Step 2: Document, Mitigate, and Report

Once you spot a warning sign, act quickly. This step can make or break your claim.

Document Everything: Take clear photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles. Keep a dated log of when you noticed each issue.
Mitigate Further Damage: Take temporary steps, like using a tarp to cover a leak. Do not make permanent repairs before an adjuster and inspector have assessed the damage, as this can hurt your claim.
Report Promptly: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification. Having your documentation ready will establish credibility.

Even if selling, it’s wise to address these issues transparently. Our guide for Home Sellers Stucco Inspection offers more advice.

Step 3: The Power of a Forensic Stucco Inspection

A standard home inspection is not enough to diagnose hidden stucco problems. You need a forensic inspection to understand what’s happening behind the walls.

Our forensic testing methods go beyond a simple visual check. We use advanced moisture meters with hammer probes to measure moisture content deep within the wall assembly. We also use resistance probes to check the integrity of the underlying wood framing, identifying rot that isn’t visible from the outside.

Crucially, we don’t just find problems; we determine their root cause, such as installation errors or missing flashing. The comprehensive report we provide is your best tool for an insurance claim. Scientific data from a professional is much harder for an adjuster to dispute than photos alone. For buyers, this is essential, as explained in our Home Buyers Stucco Inspection guide.

Our inspections cost between $495 and $1,595, a small investment compared to potential repair costs of $75,000 to $200,000. We serve homeowners across Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Can you get homeowners insurance for a stucco house and what are the costs?

While you can get homeowners insurance for a stucco house, the real question involves the costs—both for premiums and potential out-of-pocket repairs. Understanding the financial reality of stucco ownership helps you budget and make informed decisions.

Factors Affecting Your Insurance Premiums

Insurers calculate risk for a living, and several factors for stucco homes influence your premium:

Age of Home: Homes built between 1993 and 2006 are often scrutinized due to a history of installation problems, potentially leading to higher premiums.
Type of Stucco: Traditional hard-coat stucco is less of a concern than EIFS (synthetic stucco). Older EIFS systems are considered high-risk and can result in higher costs or coverage denial.
Location and Climate: Areas with heavy rain and freeze-thaw cycles, like Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, pose a higher risk for moisture damage.
Claims History: A history of previous stucco claims can signal ongoing issues to insurers, affecting your rates.
Installation Quality: A professional inspection report provides concrete evidence of your home’s condition, which can positively influence rates.

The Potential Cost of Stucco Damage and Repairs

Stucco repairs can be a major financial burden. The costs vary widely depending on the extent of the damage:

Minor Crack Repair: $5,000 – $15,000 for superficial patching and sealing.
Partial Remediation: $25,000 – $75,000 to fix moisture damage in specific sections, including repairing underlying rot.
Full Remediation: $75,000 – $200,000+ for widespread failure, requiring a complete replacement of the stucco system and significant structural repairs.

Our inspections range from $495 to $1595, a small price for the early detection that can help you avoid six-figure repair bills.

When to Call for Backup: Public Adjusters and Attorneys

For complex claims, you may need professional help.

A Public Adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They are valuable for large losses or when a claim is denied or underpaid, as they can negotiate on your behalf.
A Construction Defect Attorney is necessary if the damage is due to builder negligence and your claim is denied. They can help you pursue legal action, but be mindful of the strict time limits set by Statutes of Repose.

Knowing when to call for backup can be the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stucco and Home Insurance

Here are answers to the most common questions homeowners have about stucco and insurance.

Can I sue my builder for faulty stucco installation?

Yes, you can sue your builder for faulty stucco, but you must act quickly. States have Statutes of Repose that set a strict deadline, typically 4 to 10 years from the date of construction, to file a lawsuit. If you miss this window, you may lose your right to sue, even if the fault is clear.

Success requires rock-solid evidence. A forensic stucco inspection provides the detailed technical proof of installation flaws needed to build a strong legal case. You will also need a construction defect attorney to steer the legal process.

Are hairline cracks in my stucco covered by insurance?

No, hairline cracks are typically not covered by insurance. Insurers classify them as normal wear and tear, which is considered a homeowner maintenance responsibility. You are expected to seal these small cracks to prevent water intrusion.

An exception may exist if the cracks appeared suddenly as the result of a covered event, like impact from storm debris. However, if cracks are wider than 1/8 inch or show signs of staining, they may indicate a more serious problem that requires professional investigation.

How can I get insurance for a home with EIFS (synthetic stucco)?

Getting insurance for an EIFS home is challenging but possible. Insurers are cautious due to a history of moisture-related claims with older EIFS systems. You may need to seek out specialty insurers and can expect to pay higher premiums.

Your best strategy is to prove your home is low-risk. This can be done by:

Demonstrating you have a modern, drainable EIFS system, which allows moisture to escape.
Providing a professional EIFS inspection report that documents the type of system and confirms there are no existing moisture problems.

This documentation can be the key to securing coverage. Addressing any identified issues promptly also shows insurers you are a responsible homeowner.

Conclusion: Proactive Protection for Your Stucco Home

So, can you get homeowners insurance for a stucco house? Yes, but getting a damage claim paid is the real challenge. Coverage depends on whether the damage was “sudden and accidental,” like from a storm, rather than from gradual issues like slow leaks or faulty installation.

The key takeaway is to be proactive. By the time stucco damage is visible, it’s often a long-term problem that insurance won’t cover. Regular maintenance and inspections are your best defense against repairs that can range from $5,000 to over $200,000.

At Stucco Safe, we help homeowners in Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware identify issues before they become financial disasters. Our certified inspectors use forensic testing methods, including moisture meters and resistance probes, to uncover hidden problems.

A professional inspection, costing between $495 and $1595, provides the scientific data needed to support an insurance claim or simply give you peace of mind. Compared to the potential for six-figure repair bills, it’s a wise investment in protecting your property.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining your home, our forensic testing provides answers you can trust. Learn more about Insurance Coverage for Stucco and see how our specialized approach can safeguard your home.