Is Water Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

Water damage is one of the most common restoration services that the restoration industry sees, thus water damage is one the most common reason to file a homeowners insurance claim. Most homeowner’s policies will cover the restoration costs is the water damage is sudden or accidental, however, if the damages were gradual or neglected many insurance policies will deny the claim.

Related Water Services

Types Of Homeowners Insurance Coverages

There are two different types of coverage that are within the insurance policies that can be applied based on the type of water damage and the situation.

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage is used to pay for any damages that may have occurred to the structure of the property. For example, is a pipe unexpectedly burst this type of coverage will cover a portion or all of the repair costs, depending on the policy.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage is used to pay for the damages that have occurred to personal belongings. For example, if a burst pipe damages a computer, the repair costs may be covered under the personal property coverage, depending on the policy.

What Water Damages Are Covered By Home Insurance

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies will cover water damage that is sudden and inside the home, the water could not be from the exterior of the property. These sudden damages could be a result of sudden tearing, cracks, burns, heating or air conditioning unit malfunctions, or from an automatic fire protection sprinkler system.

Water Damage Situations Coved By Homeowners Insurance

Heavy rain or snow
Burst pipes or frozen pipes
Accidental sink overflow
Accidently tub overflows
Accidental overflowing toilet
Leaking roof (will not cover the roof repairs)
Vandalism

Water Damage Situations Not Covered By Homeowner’s Insurance

Sewage or water backups
Flooding – For protection, an additional flood policy must be purchased
Aging pipes that have burst
Groundwater seepage
Any Gradual Damage

What Is Gradual Water Damage?

Gradual water damage occurs when the water, over an extended period of time, caused damages to the property. Many water damage related claims are denied due to gradual damage. The following are examples of gradual water damage that will not be covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies.

Water damage caused by outside water seeping through cracks in the foundation, or other areas in the home.
Leaking pipes or faucets that cause damage over time to surrounding areas.
Aging or deteriorating parts of the roof that clearly need repairs.
Mold damage.
Poor repairs or neglect of repairs.

How to Avoid A Denied Water Damage Home Insurance Claim

Keeps Records

If your home has received any repairs or maintenance, it’s important to keep records of all repairs performed, and the companies hired to complete the job. If your home experiences water loss, these records are key.

Know Your Policy

Know and understand your homeowner’s insurance policy. This includes knowing exactly what is covered by your policy and exactly what is excluded.

Home Repairs

Regular home maintenance is important to avoid sudden damages, and performing small repairs will help avoid large losses later.