How does insurance co pay for soot damage in a home?

Answer 1

What caused the soot damage? All homeowners policies determine factors based on the cause of the damage. This has to be determined first. If the soot is from you using the fireplace over time without closing the flue and it happened over the years to where it is now noticeable, there is not coverage for such. If you had a fire that was covered under the policy, then it would be covered and removed.

Answer 2

The presence of soot is usually considered a maintenance condition rather than a type of damage, Wood burning fire places commonly produce soot as a natural byproduct. Regular chimney and fire place servicing is a normal expected part of maintenance for home with natural wood burning fire places.