Water damage can come at any time. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a malfunctioning washing machine, water can cause serious damage to your home. But does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Some types of water damage are covered, while others are not. Understanding your policy can help you prepare for unexpected damage and take the right steps to protect your home.
This guide will explain what homeowners insurance covers, what it excludes, and what you can do to prevent costly water damage restoration services.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?
Most homeowners insurance policies will typically cover sudden water damage. This means the damage must be unexpected and not caused by lack of maintenance or wear and tear.
Burst Pipes and Plumbing Failures
If a pipe suddenly bursts due to freezing or another unexpected event, your insurance company will likely help cover the costs to repair the affected area. However, if the damage happened due to neglect or old pipes, your claim may be denied.
For example, if a frozen pipe bursts and floods your basement, that’s usually covered. However, if a slow leak from an old, corroded pipe that was never fixed is the reason behind the damage, it’s likely you’ll have to handle the expenses on your own.
Appliance Malfunctions
If your washing machine, water heater, or dishwasher fails and causes damage to your home, your insurance may cover the damage. However, it will not cover replacing the broken appliance.
For example, if a washing machine hose suddenly bursts and floods your laundry room, insurance will take care of it. But what they won’t cover is a slow drip from an old water heater caused by wear and tear.
Roof Leaks from Storms
If a storm damages your roof and allows water inside, homeowners insurance covers water damage caused by the storm. However, if your roof was already in bad condition, your claim might be denied.
For instance, you’ll be reimbursed if a tree falls on your roof during a storm, allowing rainwater inside. But for a leak caused by old, missing shingles, you won’t get any coverage.
Fire-Related Water Damage
If your home catches fire and the water used to extinguish the flames causes damage, insurance will treat it as unexpected water damage and cover the cleanup costs.
When Is Water Damage Not Covered?
There are several situations where homeowners insurance does not cover water damage.
Flood Damage
Let’s say water from a rising river floods your home. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage from overflowing rivers or heavy rains. What to do? For protection against flooding, you’ll need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Sewer Backups and Sump Pumps Failures
Sewer backups and sump pump failures can lead to serious water damage, but they are usually not covered under a standard policy. Some insurers offer an add-on for sewer backup insurance.
If your sump pump happens to fail during a storm, flooding your basement, the insurance won’t be responsible for the costs, so consider adding sump pump and sewer backup coverage to your policy.
Neglect and Poor Maintenance
Insurance does not cover damage that happens due to wear and tear or neglect. Homeowners are expected to maintain their homes and fix issues before they become serious water disasters.
If you’ve had a slow leak from a pipe inside your home for months, it won’t be covered due to lack of maintenance. To avoid these problems, make sure you inspect pipes, appliances, and your roof regularly.
Groundwater Seepage
If water seeps into your home from the ground due to poor drainage, it is not covered by standard insurance.
If water seeps through your foundation after a heavy rainstorm, it’s likely your insurance will deny paying for the damage caused. To avoid restoration costs from storm damage, improve drainage around your home and install a sump pump.
How to File a Water Damage Insurance Claim
How to file a water damage insurance claim? If you experience any of the common causes of water damage in your home, follow these steps to ensure a smooth water damage claims process:
- Stop the Water Source: Shut off the main water supply to prevent additional damage.
- Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the affected area.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage immediately.
- Prevent Further Damage: Use fans to dry out the area and prevent mold growth.
- Hire a Professional: A water damage restoration company can assess the damage and start the cleanup process.
Tips for Preventing Water Damage
Preventing water damage is easier and cheaper than dealing with repairs. Here’s what you can do:
- Check plumbing regularly: Look for leaks under the sinks and behind appliances.
- Maintain your roof: Replace missing shingles and clean your gutters.
- Install a sump pump: This is of great help in preventing basement flooding.
- Monitor water usage: Watch for unusually high water bills that may be a sign of a leak.
- Upgrade washing machine hoses: Replace old hoses with stainless steel ones.
Homeowners Insurance and Water Damage
So, does homeowners insurance cover water damage? The answer depends on the cause of the damage. If the water damage happens suddenly or accidentally, such as from burst pipes or storm-related leaks, it is typically covered. However, damage from flooding, neglect, and gradual wear and tear is not covered.
To protect your home in the Capital Region, NY, it’s important to review your insurance coverage and consider separate flood insurance if needed. If you experience water damage, act fast to minimize damage.
Contact Accurate Water and Fire Restoration for Your Water Damage Needs!
If you need help with water damage restoration, contact Accurate Water and Fire Restoration for professional water damage cleanup and repair services in the Capital Region, NY. Act fast and act now to minimize the damage to your property! Call us at (518) 707-1399 or fill out this online form for a free inspection. Let us be part of your recovery!
