Your standard homeowner’s insurance policy usually covers water damage from sudden or accidental leaks inside the home, including a burst pipe or overflowing device. It can also cover water damage from wind, hail, snow, or ice – for example, if your roof collapses under the weight of snow.
However, your policy will not cover flooding or slow leaks without additional coverage.
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When does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Generally, homeowners insurance will cover sudden, unexpected, or accidental water damage, especially if it occurs inside your home. This can include water damage to the following:
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Blast pipes
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Home system malfunction
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Overflowing toilets or water heaters
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Roof collapse due to snow or ice
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A broken water heater
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The water was used to put out the house fire
It is important that you take immediate action to minimize further water damage (as long as it is safe), and that you contact your insurer and follow their instructions for a successful claim.
Read more: What does homeowners insurance cover?
When does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Your homeowners insurance may not cover water damage if:
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He delays the correction
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A slow leak from a faucet, a leaky foundation, or something similar
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It is caused by a flood
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It is the result of backing up the sewer or drain
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Your roof or other part of your house is leaking due to neglect
Read more: What does homeowners insurance not cover?
What does water pollution include?
The spread of residential areas
This part of homeowners insurance covers damage to your home’s structure, such as repairs if a covered water hazard damages the floor, walls, or ceiling.
Personal property
While residential coverage is for your actual home, this coverage is for any personal property damaged by a covered water peril. For example, this coverage can help pay for a damaged laptop or furniture.
Installation of temporary housing
In the event that you are unable to live in your home due to extensive water damage and the need for repairs, this coverage can help cover the cost of temporary accommodation. Other costs may be included in this coverage, such as transportation fees, storage costs, parking costs, and increased food costs.
How much does water damage repair cost?
While prices can vary by location and circumstances, Thumbtack data shows that the national average cost of water damage restoration is $1,536, with a range of $721 to $3,526.
In a specific region, Angi indicates that the average price for water damage restoration in the New York tristate area is $1,440 to $6,516. However, it also depends on the conditions, as it can range from $500 to $18,000 in low and high areas.
A large range makes sense, as the cost depends on the type of repair required. For example, a full upstairs laundry room can cause more damage than a full basement toilet, although it depends on the details.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold from water damage?
Yes, most standard homeowner’s insurance policies include mold coverage if it occurs from a covered water damage peril, such as a burst pipe. However, it’s important to note that it’s common for insurers to put a cap on mold coverage, with $5,000 to $10,000 as the limit.
How to extend the coverage of water damage
Consider these options to increase your water damage coverage:
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Extended cover limits: You can increase all of your limits, including residential, for better protection against water damage.
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Flood insurance: Standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not include flood coverage, so it may make sense to consider this coverage if it is available and appears to be needed where you live.
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Water backup installation: Your policy may not cover water backup problems in sewer lines or sump pumps, so this coverage may be worth considering.
Read more: How to buy homeowners insurance
How to apply for water damage insurance
You can file a homeowner’s insurance claim for water damage by following these steps:
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Prevent further damage: If it is safe to do so, do your best to prevent further water damage. For example, if there is a burst pipe, turn off the water supply pipe.
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List the damage: Take lots of photos and videos, and note any damaged items.
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Call your insurance company: Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to explain the situation and start your claim.
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Follow your insurer’s instructions: Your insurance company will give you details on the next steps and instructions on what they will need from you. They may request any documentation you have of the event and damages, and send a claims adjuster to inspect the property.
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Quickly answer some questions: Your adjuster and/or insurer may request additional information during the claims process. To ensure that the review is as quick as possible, respond to your insurance companies immediately and include all the necessary information.
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Update your rate and schedule adjustments: You will receive a payment estimate from your provider if your application is successful. Make sure you review the estimate to make sure everything is accurate, then accept it and use the money to cover your home repairs.
9 tips to prevent water damage
1. Inspect your home regularly
Taking simple steps, such as checking bathroom and kitchen cabinets for wet spots, can prevent disaster before it happens. The same goes for making sure the roof, siding, and other household items are in acceptable, leak-free condition.
2. Reduce your yard
Having rain and irrigation water away from your home can help prevent moisture from seeping into your foundation and, possibly eventually, into your house.
3. Install gutter guards
If necessary, consider installing debris guards to prevent debris and water from building up on your roof.
4. Replace the window signs
Window installation and resealing can give you the peace of mind you need to know that your windows will not cause water damage.
5. Keep things on the ground
Especially in the basement, having valuables on the floor can help you avoid high costs if your home were to sustain water damage. For example, if a burst pipe were to fill the floor, you can avoid having to replace any items that were not stored on the floor.
6. Consider water leak sensors and automatic shut-off devices
Water damage can be sudden and unexpected, so having automatic leak detectors and shut-off devices is one way to ensure that you can shut off the water in your home before major damage occurs.
7. Find your water shutoff valve
If you don’t know where your home’s water shutoff valve is, find it now so you don’t waste time in the event of a leak. A basement is a common place, although it depends on your home. Knowing where the valve is can help you minimize further damage if you can’t get to it quickly in an emergency.
8. Only use electrical appliances when you are at home
Using any appliance that deals with water, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, can cause water damage. That risk (like an internal component failing) doesn’t decrease just because you’re at home, but you’ll be able to react quickly to prevent further damage.
9. Keep the heat on when you are away
Keeping your home at the right temperature while you’re away can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
Homeowners insurance and water damage FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover basement water damage?
If water damage is caused by a covered event or accident, such as a burst pipe, it must be covered. However, it depends on your policy and the specifics of the situation.
How do I file a water damage claim on homeowners insurance?
You can file a claim by calling your insurer or using the online claims process, usually on the insurance company’s website or through its app.
Is it worth getting water damage insurance?
Eligible if damages result from a covered accident and the estimated costs exceed any potential deductible you may have to pay. It may not be worth pursuing if you don’t think the insurance will cover the damage, such as in the case of negligence or flooding.
