What does 'gradual damage' mean on an insurance policy?

Damage that develops slowly over time — a slow leak, damp, rot, rust, or cracking. Insurers exclude it because it's considered preventable through maintenance.

Is subsidence covered by home insurance?

Most standard buildings policies do cover subsidence, but with a much higher excess (often $1,000+) and strict reporting requirements. Some policies exclude it entirely in known high-risk areas.

Is accidental damage included as standard?

Usually no. Accidental damage is an optional add-on for both buildings and contents on most policies. Without it, things like spilled paint, drilled-through pipes, or a TV knocked off a stand won't be paid.

How long can my house be empty before cover stops?

Most policies restrict cover after 30 to 60 consecutive days of being unoccupied. After that, perils like escape of water, theft and malicious damage are typically excluded.

Are my expensive items covered automatically?

Only up to the 'single article limit' — often $1,500 to $2,500 per item. Anything above that needs to be specified on the schedule, usually with a valuation.

What ISN'T covered?

10 Common Home Insurance Exclusions You Need to Know

Gradual damage, lack of maintenance, earth movement — the 10 exclusions that cause most rejected home insurance claims. Check yours in 60 seconds.

Your policy is the only source of truth

Get a precise answer for your exact policy

Generic answers don't pay claims. PolicyPal reads your policy wording in seconds and tells you, in one sentence, whether you're covered.

Upload your policy$7 per analysis · No subscription · PDF only

The short answer

Most home insurance policies cover sudden, accidental events — not slow deterioration or things you could have prevented. The 10 exclusions below appear in almost every policy and account for the majority of rejected claims.

The 10 exclusions that catch people out

Read your policy wording for these terms specifically — they are almost always present and almost always the reason a claim fails.

Gradual damage — anything that develops slowly (leaks, rot, damp, rust).
Lack of maintenance — missing tiles, blocked gutters, unserviced boilers.
Wear and tear — ageing carpets, fading paint, worn appliances.
Earth movement — subsidence, heave and landslip often need a separate add-on or carry a much higher excess.
Unoccupied property — most policies restrict cover after 30–60 consecutive days empty.
Accidental damage — usually optional, not included as standard on buildings or contents.
Escape of water from poorly maintained pipes or unserviced systems.
High-value items above the single-item limit (often $1,500–$2,500) unless specified.
Items away from the home — only covered if you have 'personal possessions' or 'all risks' cover.
Business use — running a business from home voids cover on most standard policies.

How to check your policy for these exclusions

Open the full policy booklet (not the summary) and search for: 'gradual', 'maintenance', 'wear', 'subsidence', 'unoccupied', 'accidental', 'single article limit', 'away from the home', and 'business use'. The presence and wording of these clauses determine whether you're actually covered. PolicyPal reads them for you and tells you the answer in plain English.

Frequently asked

What does 'gradual damage' mean on an insurance policy?: Damage that develops slowly over time — a slow leak, damp, rot, rust, or cracking. Insurers exclude it because it's considered preventable through maintenance.
Is subsidence covered by home insurance?: Most standard buildings policies do cover subsidence, but with a much higher excess (often $1,000+) and strict reporting requirements. Some policies exclude it entirely in known high-risk areas.
Is accidental damage included as standard?: Usually no. Accidental damage is an optional add-on for both buildings and contents on most policies. Without it, things like spilled paint, drilled-through pipes, or a TV knocked off a stand won't be paid.
How long can my house be empty before cover stops?: Most policies restrict cover after 30 to 60 consecutive days of being unoccupied. After that, perils like escape of water, theft and malicious damage are typically excluded.
Are my expensive items covered automatically?: Only up to the 'single article limit' — often $1,500 to $2,500 per item. Anything above that needs to be specified on the schedule, usually with a valuation.

Your policy is the only source of truth

Stop guessing. Check your actual policy.

Generic answers don't pay claims. PolicyPal reads your policy wording in seconds and tells you, in one sentence, whether you're covered.

Upload your policy$7 per analysis · No subscription · PDF only