Standard homeowners insurance covers damage from fire and smoke, including accidental fires caused by chimney fires and fireplaces. However, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves pose an increased risk to your home, which could mean higher insurance rates or lead to difficulty obtaining coverage. The exact amount of any possible surcharge depends on the type and quality of the fireplace in your home.
Does having a fireplace increase home insurance?
If your home has a built-in fireplace, your insurance premiums may be affected. Whether your rates go up depends on your insurer and the type of fireplace you own. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, for example, you may see higher insurance rates. That's because wood-burning fireplaces are more likely to result in a fire than gas-burning or electric fireplaces.
Why does a fireplace increase insurance costs?
When calculating your home insurance rates, insurers consider how at risk you are of filing a claim. Because some fireplaces, like wood-burning ones, are more likely to cause fires, you might see higher rates to offset that increase in risk.
That said, you can do things to lower your risk of house fires caused by your fireplace and score discounts in the process. For example, many insurers offer discounts if you safety-proof your home with fire alarms, sprinklers, and smart home detection devices.
Does home insurance cover damage to a fireplace?
If your fireplace is damaged by a covered peril, like if your chimney unexpectedly catches fire, then your home insurance may cover you. That said, home insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear or maintenance issues. This means if your fireplace catches fire because it’s in poor condition, your home insurance likely won’t cover the damage.
Fireplace safety: what you need to know
You can minimize the risks of fireplace-related hazards by keeping up with maintenance and having it inspected to make sure it’s structurally sound. Here are a few things to keep in mind in order to keep your home safe and your fireplace in good condition.
Some fireplaces are safer than others
It's estimated that over 4,000 fires are caused each year by wood-burning stoves, according to the United States Fire Administration. [1] Additionally, wood-burning stoves are responsible for 150 deaths per year from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. [2]
Gas-burning fireplaces pose less risk to your home and health — and generally cost less to insure — than wood-burning fireplaces. But gas-burning fireplaces aren’t perfect, either; a gas leak from a gas-burning fireplace can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, or even an explosion if exposed to a spark.
Meanwhile, electric fireplaces, which are essentially fireplaces without fire, may not affect your home insurance rates at all.
You should clean your fireplace at least once a year
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that you hire a licensed professional to inspect and clean your fireplace once a year. Many issues can arise from a fireplace or chimney in need of necessary repairs, including:
Cracks in your chimney, which might allow birds or rodents to come in and make nests
Creosote, or fuel that has not fully burned, can build up and pose a number of health. risks, such as eye irritation and seizures. It can also cause your chimney to catch fire.
Chimney swifts, little cigar-shaped birds that live in sooty environments, may leave droppings in your chimney that can cause respiratory infection when inhaled.
A well-maintained chimney lowers your chances of experiencing these health risks and better prepares it for your home insurance inspection. If your fireplace is in poor condition, that could make it more difficult to pass your inspection and obtain homeowners insurance.
Is a fireplace safe?
Yes, a fireplace is generally a safe addition to your home. Fireplaces are designed with safety in mind, so taking precautions and practicing proper fireplace maintenance can help lower your risk of issues.
That said, it’s important to check your fireplace regularly for safety issues. There are different things to look for, depending on what type of fireplace you have.
Wood-burning fireplace
Clean out the fireplace regularly, removing ashes only after they have been cool for 24 hours to prevent causing a fire.
Clean out the chimney annually.
Choose dry, seasoned wood or premade firelogs, such as Duraflame or Enviro-log, to reduce the risk of fire spreading outside of your fireplace.
Make sure there are no cracks or loose bricks in the fireplace or chimney.
Check the flue damper to make sure it opens and closes correctly.
Gas-burning fireplace
Pay attention to any foul smells, such as a rotten egg odor, that might indicate a leak.
Watch for signs of a gas leak, such as a whistling sound coming from the fireplace or dead grass and plants near outdoor gas lines.
Use soapy water brushed over gas lines and gas logs in your fireplace to watch for bubbles that might indicate a gas leak.
Frequently asked questions
Do fireplaces increase the value of a home?
A fireplace can increase the value of a home depending on a number of factors, including the type of fireplace and how it is installed.
Is a wood stove better than a fireplace?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, modern wood stoves produce almost no smoke and require less firewood than a fireplace. They are also more energy efficient than a standard fireplace, producing more usable heat while burning less wood.
Does home insurance cover chimney repair?
Yes, home insurance will cover chimney repair if the damage was caused by a covered peril.
