Spontaneous Combustion and Other Overlooked Risks in Property Insurance

What Are “Overlooked Risks” in Property Insurance?

Most homeowners are familiar with coverages like fire, hurricane, and earthquake protection. But property insurance in the Dominican Republic can include additional protections that are often overlooked, misunderstood, or undervalued by policyholders.

Among these, spontaneous combustion is one of the most misunderstood risks, but there are several others—such as smoke damage, collapse, riot and malicious damage, and accidental water leaks—that deserve attention.

1. Spontaneous Combustion

Definition: Spontaneous combustion occurs when flammable materials ignite without an external spark, often due to heat buildup or chemical reactions.

Examples:

• Stored cleaning products, chemicals, or paints overheating in a storage room.

• Improperly stored organic materials (like oily rags) igniting on their own.

Why it matters: Policies that include spontaneous combustion coverage protect against damage from fires caused by these unexpected and difficult-to-prevent events.

2. Smoke Damage

Definition: Covers damage from smoke even when no major fire occurs.

Examples:

• Smoke from a barbecue staining walls.

• Nearby fires creating smoke infiltration that damages furniture and curtains.

Why it matters: Repairing smoke damage can be as expensive as repairing fire damage, yet many homeowners don’t realize this coverage exists.

3. Collapse Coverage

Definition: Protects against sudden and accidental structural collapse of a building or its components.

Examples:

• A roof collapsing due to hidden structural defects.

• The failure of a water tank or silo attached to the property.

Why it matters: These accidents are rare but catastrophic when they happen—and standard fire or hurricane coverage won’t necessarily apply.

4. Riot, Strike, and Malicious Damage

Definition: Covers intentional damage caused during riots, strikes, or acts of vandalism.

Examples:

• Broken windows and graffiti during a protest.

• Malicious property damage by third parties.

Why it matters: In an unpredictable world, liability from social unrest or malicious acts can be financially devastating without this coverage.

5. Accidental Water Damage

Definition: Protects against sudden leaks or bursts from plumbing or household equipment, not caused by hurricanes or floods.

Examples:

• A burst pipe flooding a bathroom and living room.

• A water pump malfunction damaging flooring and walls.

Why it matters: Water damage is one of the most frequent claims, and without specific coverage, repair costs fall entirely on the homeowner.

Final Thoughts

While fire, hurricanes, and earthquakes grab most of the attention, it’s the overlooked risks—like spontaneous combustion, smoke, collapse, riots, and accidental water damage—that can surprise property owners the most. Adding these coverages strengthens your policy and ensures you are prepared for the unexpected.

Why Choose Hernández Peguero Insurance Brokers?

At Hernández Peguero Insurance Brokers, we don’t just provide quotes—we educate our clients on the hidden value of add-on protections. By working with the Dominican Republic’s top insurers, we make sure your property insurance covers both the obvious and the overlooked risks.

Ready to Strengthen Your Coverage?

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +1 (849) 514-9838
📧 Email: info@hernandezpeguero.com
🌐 Website: www.hernandezpeguero.com