The Types of Water Damage Homeowners Insurance Covers

An Overview of Water Damage Claims and Policies

Water damage is one of a property manager’s worst nightmares. Whether caused by a natural disaster or a simple plumbing mishap, the consequences can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Luckily, homeowners’ insurance policies cover certain types of water damage.

Water damage is one of the most common and costly types of homeowners insurance claims. However, it’s essential to understand what types of water damage your policy will cover and what it won’t to ensure you have the right coverage in place. Today, we’ll explore the different types of water damage covered by insurance and how to protect your home and belongings.

Water Damage from Leaky Appliances or Broken Plumbing Fixtures

Water damage from appliances, such as dishwashers or washing machines, may be covered under your insurance policy. However, the cause of the damage must be sudden and accidental and not the result of wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Leaks or malfunctions in plumbing fixtures and water heaters are also typically covered by homeowners insurance. Regular maintenance on these appliances can help prevent sudden leaks and system breakdowns.

Weather-Related Damage

Most policies will cover damage from freezing and hail, which can lead to cracked or burst pipes and flooded basements. In addition, water damage from a heavy rainstorm is also typically covered. Homeowners ' insurance policies often cover weather-related water damage, such as damage from heavy rain or a hailstorm.

Flood damage, however, is typically not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy and requires separate coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Most homeowners’ insurance policies also do not cover mold and mildew damage unless it results from a covered water damage event, such as a burst pipe. If you suspect mold or mildew growth in your home, it’s critical to address it immediately to prevent further damage and potential health risks.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common occurrence in areas with cold winters. These ice formations build up on the roof and can prevent water from draining off properly. This can lead to leaks into your home, resulting in water damage. Most insurance policies will cover damage caused by ice dams and the cost to remove them.

Sudden or Accidental Water Discharge

Most homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover sudden or accidental water discharges, including burst pipes, sprinkler systems gone awry, or an overflowing toilet. Once again, it’s important to note that policies generally won’t cover damages due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance on plumbing fixtures.

Water Damage Caused by A Fire

In addition to covering losses from fire damage, your homeowners' insurance policy will also cover water damage caused by firefighting efforts. For example, if firefighters had to hose down your home to put out a fire, your policy would help cover the damage caused by the water.

Water Damage Caused by a Leak

Homeowners' insurance policies also typically cover water damage caused by leaks. This could include water that’s entered your home through the roof due to a storm, a leaky pipe, or even a backed-up sewer line. However, if the damage is determined to result from a lack of upkeep, it won’t be covered.

Sewer and Drain Backup

Sewer and drain backup are another type of water damage that homeowners’ insurance may cover. Some policies include coverage for backup caused by a clogged or broken pipe, while others require separate sewage backup coverage.

The Benefits of Understanding Restoration-Related Insurance Policies

While homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover water damage, it’s helpful to remain aware of what is and isn’t covered in your policy. By knowing what situations are covered, you’ll be better prepared to act quickly after a water damage emergency. Review your policy thoroughly with your insurance agent to ensure you have the necessary coverage.

At ServiceMaster of Bux Mont, our team is here to help guide you through the complex insurance process. We have years of experience and industry-best resources for handling claims. Our knowledge and toolkit will allow us to help you navigate this tricky process by inventorying and itemizing losses efficiently and clearly. Remember, prevention is the ultimate goal when minimizing damage from water. Regular maintenance and inspections performed by a professional contractor can help detect any issues before they become major problems.