Does Insurance Cover Preventive Maintenance by Contractors?

September 2, 2024
Written by C&S Insurance

Home and business owners know that regular maintenance is essential for keeping properties in good condition. Preventive maintenance helps avoid costly repairs and ensures that everything—from plumbing to roofing—functions properly. But one common question arises: does insurance cover preventive maintenance performed by contractors?

The answer depends on the type of insurance policy and the specific maintenance work involved. In most cases, insurance covers unexpected damages, not routine upkeep. However, some policies offer certain benefits for maintenance-related work.

Understanding your insurance coverage can help you save money while keeping your property well-maintained.

What Insurance Typically Covers

Most property insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damages rather than routine maintenance. For example, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage, insurance will likely cover the repairs. But if a pipe slowly leaks over time due to lack of maintenance, it may not be covered. Understanding the details of your policy can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Interesting Fact: If you’re dealing with water damage, knowing the right steps can increase your chances of getting a successful claim—learn more in “How to Get Insurance to Pay for Water Damage.”

Here are some common examples of what insurance usually covers:

  • Fire and smoke damage

  • Storm or wind damage

  • Theft and vandalism

  • Water damage from sudden leaks

  • Structural damage from unexpected events

Preventive maintenance—such as servicing an HVAC system, cleaning gutters, or resealing windows—is typically not included. However, neglecting maintenance can sometimes void an insurance claim if damage occurs due to lack of upkeep.

The Role of Preventive Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping homes and businesses safe and efficient. Many contractors offer preventive maintenance plans that cover services like:

  • HVAC system checks to ensure heating and cooling work properly

  • Roof inspections to catch leaks before they cause serious damage

  • Plumbing maintenance to prevent costly water leaks

  • Electrical system inspections to reduce fire hazards

Investing in preventive maintenance saves money in the long run by reducing the chances of major repairs. While most insurance policies do not cover these services, they can help property owners avoid costly damage that insurance may not pay for.

For property owners, hiring professional contractors services helps maintain buildings and essential systems, preventing costly repairs in the future. Regular maintenance ensures that structures remain in good condition and reduces the risk of unexpected damage.

David Mitchell, a restaurant owner, shares his experience:

“Running a small restaurant means keeping everything in top shape, from HVAC systems to plumbing. I contacted Certified-Contractors.Org for regular maintenance, and their team was fantastic. They inspected all major systems, handled minor repairs, and made sure everything was in working order. Later, when I had a small water leak, my insurance covered the damage because I had proof of proper maintenance. Their service gave me peace of mind, and I highly recommend them!”

When Insurance Might Cover Maintenance Costs

Although standard insurance policies do not cover routine maintenance, there are certain situations where insurance might help.

  1. Warranty Coverage – If a home or business has a home warranty plan, some maintenance services—like HVAC tune-ups or electrical checks—may be included.

  2. Service Contracts – Some insurance providers offer maintenance add-ons for an additional cost. These may cover inspections or minor repairs.

  3. Damage Prevention Programs – A few insurers offer incentives for regular maintenance. For example, discounts may be available for homes with annual roof inspections.

Checking with an insurance provider can help property owners understand if their policy includes any maintenance-related benefits.

Why Maintenance Is Important for Insurance Claims

Keeping up with maintenance can impact insurance claims, as damage caused by neglect may lead to denied coverage. For example, if a roof has not been properly maintained and begins to leak after heavy rain, an insurance company may refuse to cover the repairs. Similarly, if a water heater bursts and damages the flooring, the insurer might investigate whether it was regularly serviced before approving a claim.

Electrical issues can also pose a risk—if an overloaded system causes a fire, but the wiring was never updated, the insurance provider could deny compensation. Property owners should always keep records of maintenance work done by contractors. Having proof of regular upkeep not only supports claims but also helps prevent disputes with insurers.

Final Thoughts

Preventive maintenance is essential for keeping properties in great shape, but most insurance policies do not cover it. However, regular maintenance can prevent major damage, making it easier to file claims when something unexpected happens.

Property owners should check with their insurance providers to see if any maintenance benefits or discounts are available. Keeping records of maintenance work can also help when filing claims.

For those who need professional maintenance, services like Certified-Contractors.Org offer reliable solutions.