Does Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Water damage is one of the most common types of damage that homeowners experience. Whether it’s from a burst pipe or a natural disaster, water damage can be incredibly costly to repair. This is why many homeowners wonder if their insurance covers water damage. In this article, we’ll explore this question and provide you with the information you need to know.

What Types of Water Damage Does Insurance Cover?

When it comes to water damage, insurance policies can be complicated. That said, most policies cover water damage caused by:

If you’re unsure whether your policy covers a specific type of water damage, it’s important to consult with your insurance agent.

What Isn’t Covered?

There are some types of water damage that aren’t typically covered by insurance policies. These include:

• Water damage caused by neglect or lack of maintenance
• Water damage caused by flooding from a body of water (like a lake or river)
• Water damage caused by a sewer backup if you don’t have the appropriate coverage
• Water damage caused by a natural disaster (like a hurricane or earthquake) if you don’t have the appropriate coverage

Again, if you’re unsure whether a specific type of water damage is covered, it’s important to consult with your insurance agent.

What Should You Do if You Experience Water Damage?

If you experience water damage, it’s important to take action as quickly as possible. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Stop the source of the water if possible (like turning off the main water valve)
2. Document the damage with photos and videos
3. Contact your insurance company to report the damage
4. Work with the insurance company to schedule an inspection
5. Begin the cleanup and repair process

It’s important to note that your insurance company may require you to use specific contractors or vendors for the cleanup and repair.

FAQ

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage from a Burst Pipe?

Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage from a burst pipe.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage from a Roof Leak?

It depends on the cause of the roof leak. If the leak is due to a covered peril (like a storm), then your homeowners insurance may cover the resulting water damage.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage from a Flood?

No, homeowners insurance typically does not cover water damage from a flood. You would need a separate flood insurance policy for that.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage from a Sewer Backup?

It depends on your policy. Some homeowners insurance policies do not cover water damage from a sewer backup, while others require a separate endorsement for coverage.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage from Water Damage?

It depends on the cause of the mold. If the mold is a result of a covered peril (like a burst pipe), then your homeowners insurance may cover the resulting mold damage. However, if the mold is due to neglect or lack of maintenance, then it would not be covered.

Conclusion

Water damage can be a costly and stressful experience for homeowners. While insurance policies can be complicated, most policies do cover water damage from burst or leaking pipes. It’s important to consult with your insurance agent to understand your specific policy and coverage options.