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Dear Diva:
Don't expect to be sitting pretty on your newly upholstered sofa any time soon -- at least not if you're waiting for your insurer to pick up the tab! There's no cushion in your homeowners policy to cover damage due to lack of maintenance, rust and corrosion, wear and tear, and gradual deterioration -- like a worn-out sofa.
No piece of furniture that is used regularly will last forever. After years of kids jumping on it and adults plunking themselves on it, your tired old sofa cushion simply gave way. That's not your insurer's problem.
Likewise, there would be no insurance coverage if, say, water seeped in through the cracks in your foundation; your 20-year-old roof leaked because it needed new shingles; or your rusted-out exterior oil tank gave way.
Maintaining your home is your responsibility, not your insurance company's. Insurance is meant to protect you against events that are "sudden, accidental, and unpredictable." A tattered sofa cushion that splits apart is anything but!
If insurers had to replace everything that just plain wore out, or wasn't properly maintained, your insurance premium would be so high that you couldn't afford to buy coverage at all. It's a safe bet that virtually everything we own will wear out sooner or later. How could we possibly expect insurance companies to be on the hook for every one of these losses!
It would be a different matter if a burglar broke into your house and vandalised your sofa. That would be an unexpected and unforeseen event, and that's what your insurance is intended to cover. So if the leg cracks on your old coffee table, get it fixed or buy a new one -- but DON'T call your insurance company!
Note: Remember, policies vary, so when in doubt, consult your insurance representative.
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