Common insurance exclusions explained

Exclusions are where most surprises happen. They’re the parts of the policy that say “we do not cover X,” even if X feels related to something you believed was covered.

Wear and tear / deterioration

Insurance typically isn’t meant to pay for predictable aging. If damage looks gradual (slow leak, long-term moisture, rot, corrosion), insurers often treat it as maintenance rather than an insurable event.

Gradual or repeated seepage

This usually means water that entered over time, even if you only noticed the result today. Many policies focus on when the damage happened, not just when it was discovered.

Mould and condensation

Mould is often excluded or tightly limited. Even when a covered water event triggers mould, the mould portion can be treated differently than the initial event.

Earth movement / flooding categories

Terms like “overland flooding,” “groundwater,” and “sewer backup” can be separate coverages. A claim outcome can hinge on which category the insurer says applies.