Demystify the intricacies of your insurance policy. Discover what types of water damage are covered, the claim process, and how to maximize your payout. Your ultimate guide to navigating the complex world of water damage claims.
Property water damage is a common problem for many homeowners which is why many take out water damage insurance. But water damage to your home is not always covered by insurance policies. For example, damage caused by floods, lack of home maintenance, and negligence won’t be covered. So, what type of water damage does insurance cover? Keep reading to learn more about what type of water damage is covered by homeowners’ insurance.
Homeowners insurance water damages that are covered by insurance companies are damages that happen suddenly and from within the property. The water damage must be the result of one of the 16 perils covered by home insurance such as overflow flow from pipes, AC, heating, fire sprinkler, etc.
Home insurance policies also cover water damage from rain or snowstorms, damage from putting out a fire, leaking roofs, accidental overflow of appliances like washing machines, vandalism, and mold. Please note that leaking roofs only the internal structure of your property and items within are covered. The roof itself is not covered and you will need to repair it at your own cost. Additionally, mold damage must be caused by water damage for an insurance company to pay out on such a policy.
If your plumbing has an unexpected fault such as burst pipe, frozen pipes, faulty plumbing, and accidental flow, your home insurance water damage policy will help cover your repairs.
Mold is one of the most expensive types of water damage as it can cost up to $30,000 to get rid of a mold infestation. Unfortunately, mold damage is often not covered by insurance policies. Your policy will help to pay for repairs if the mold damage is a result of an accidental leak or flood. Mold remediation cover ranges from between $1000 to $10,000, depending on the policy you take out. But if the mold infestation is a result of poor home maintenance or a flood, you will not get a penny.
To ensure you are protected from mold damage, keep your home is properly maintained. Any leaks in your pipes or appliances should be fixed immediately. Bleach any areas that have been flooded to help prevent the growth of mold. Air vents and fans can also be used to remove moisture from humid homes.
There are some types of water damage that are not covered by modern home insurance policies. The first one is flood damage. Floods are a natural disaster that is caused by heavy rainstorms, rapid snowmelt, cyclones, or tsunamis. Flood damage isn’t covered by insurance because floods are classified as acts of God. You will need to take out a special flood insurance policy if you live in a flood-prone area.
If the water damage to your home is caused by external plumbing issues such as backup from sewers, external drains, or ground seepage, then you aren’t covered by your home insurance. But you can take up an extra water backup insurance policy to protect yourself in such cases.
Another type of water damage not covered by insurance is if the house flood is caused by negligence or lack of proper maintenance. If one of your pipes has been leaking for months and you decided not to repair it, any damage to our drywall or ceiling will be on you.
When you take out a home insurance policy be sure to speak with your agent about what exactly your cover entails. As soon as you notice any water damage that is covered you should contact your insurer to make a claim on the damage. Include pictures of how your property looked before and after the damage as well as pictures of the cause of the water damage. These photos can also be useful for future mold damage claims.
Your insurance company will question you about the damage to establish if it’s covered under your policy. They would also send out an adjuster to assess the extent of the damage and how much you should be given for repairs. It is best to get an independent contractor to give you a quote on how much it would be to repair your home so that you can negotiate with your insurance company if their calculation is too low. Once you reach an agreement, the company will send you an advance to get started on the repair and the balance minus your deductible would also be sent once the repairs are complete.
So, what types of water damage does insurance cover? Home insurance policies only cover water damage caused by sudden and unexpected events. However, water damage caused by floods or lack of home maintenance is not covered. It is always best to fix water damage as quickly as possible to prevent any more additional costs. For more information on water damage and flood damage, read the rest of our blog.
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