Home Insurance
Insurance Water Damage Claim: Your Complete Guide
Here is your complete guide to insurance water damage claim
Introduction to Insurance Water Damage Claim
Depending on the type of damage sustained, homeowners insurance can provide two types of coverage. So what is insurance water damage claim? How much is insurance water damage claim? What you need to know about insurance water damage claim? Here is your complete guide to insurance water damage claim.
Coverage for the home.
Homeowners insurance pays for damage to the structure of the home caused by a covered event. For example, if a pipe suddenly bursts and damages a wall, homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairs.
Personal property insurance
Personal property insurance pays for damage to your property caused by a covered event. For example, if a computer or bookshelf gets wet due to a burst pipe, personal property insurance can help you repair or replace the damaged items.
Please note that a deductible will likely apply before coverage begins. In addition, coverage limits may apply. Read your policy to find out how much coverage is available. Your agent can help tailor coverage to your needs or answer questions about the policy.
The most expensive household insurance claims
Water and frost damage is the third most expensive type of claim.
| The claim type | The average claim paid |
|---|---|
| Fire and lightning | $78,838 |
| Bodily injury and property damage | $29,752 |
| Water damage and freezing | $11,098 |
| Wind and hail | $10,801 |
| All other property damage | $6,406 |
| Theft | $4,328 |
| Medical payments and others | $4,328 |
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage caused by a plumbing leak?
Homeowners insurance may cover damage caused by a plumbing leak if the leak is sudden and accidental, such as a sudden break in a washing machine supply line or a burst pipe.
However, homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by poor maintenance. So if damage occurs because a leaky toilet wasn’t repaired, for example, homeowners insurance probably won’t cover the repair.
Types of water damage covered by homeowner’s insurance.
Generally, the water damage that is considered “sudden and accidental” (example a burst pipe) is covered, but gradual damage, such as a leaky bathroom sink, is not. In addition, floods, such as damage caused by a storm surge during a hurricane, are not covered.
Water damage covered by homeowner’s insurance typically includes the following :
- Burst pipes. This can include a frozen pipe, but not if the home’s heating system is neglected.
- Accidental leaks, such as a leak in the water line or a leak in an appliance, such as a broken washing machine or dishwasher.
- Water damage following a fire is caused by the water used to extinguish the flames, such as from a sprinkler system or fire hose.
- Water damage is caused by a leak in the roof, such as after a storm or if a tree falls on the roof. Remember that if an accident (such as a falling tree) damages your roof, you are required to repair the damage within a reasonable time. If you fail to do so, you risk further water damage that is not covered.
- Water damage is caused by storms such as torrential rain or hail.
- Ice dams, such as ice that forms in your gutters and damages your home, may be covered as long as the damage is sudden and not due to lack of maintenance.
Types of water damage not covered by homeowners insurance.
These are some of the most common problems that are usually not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy:
- Flood damage. Flood damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. Floods include hurricanes, tsunamis, storm surges, water from overflowing rivers, and torrential rains. Consider purchasing flood insurance if you want to be covered for these problems.
- Water damage results from lack of maintenance or negligence, such as not fixing a plumbing problem or not keeping the heater on during freezing periods.
- Water damage results from intentional acts, such as setting the house on fire or intentionally turning off the heat during the winter.
- Water damage is due to “earth movements” such as earthquakes, landslides, or landslips. For example, if your pipe bursts due to an earthquake, it is unlikely that water damage will be covered. If you want to be covered for earthquake damage, you must purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy.
- Damage caused by standing water in sewers or drains (unless you have special insurance for this problem).
- Damage is caused by water leaking from a swimming pool or other structure.
Water damage is caused by seepage or leaks in the foundation. - The cost of repairing or replacing the cause of the water damage, such as repairing a broken dishwasher or washing machine.
- Water damage is caused by the failure of a sump pump or related equipment. For these types of problems, you may want to consider purchasing backwater insurance.
The Main Causes of Home Insurance Claims
| Cause | Percentage of home insurance claims |
|---|---|
| Wind and hail | 34.3% |
| Water damage and freezing | 29.4% |
| Fire and lightning | 25.1% |
| All other property damage including vandalism and malicious mischief | 7% |
| Liability | 2.8% |
| Theft | 1% |
How can I protect my home from water damage?
One of the best ways to protect a home from water damage is to take preventative measures. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential.
Remember that homeowners insurance covers “sudden and accidental” water damage, but not gradual or maintenance problems.
If a problem occurs, such as a dripping faucet, it’s best to fix it as soon as possible.
Other steps you can take include
- Flush water heaters twice a year to prevent buildup.
- Install smart water leak detectors that send an alarm to your phone or email (some sensors can automatically shut off the water to prevent damage). In a LexisNexis study of 2,306 U.S. households that had a Flo by Moen water leak detector installed, water-related complaints decreased by 96% compared to two years before installation.
- Check the supply and drain lines of washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigerators. If necessary, repair or replace damaged pipes.
- Inspect the roof and make necessary repairs, such as replacing missing, rotted, or damaged shingles. It is also advisable to clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can overflow and cause water to pool near the home’s foundation, posing a risk of seepage into the basement.
- If you live in an area with extremely low temperatures, prevent pipes from freezing. Set the heat to at least 50 degrees and consider taking other precautions, such as wrapping pipes with insulation. For more information on preventing and thawing frozen pipes, visit the American Red Cross website.
- Remove snow from the roof to prevent ice dams from forming. Snow can melt and freeze on roofs and in gutters, creating ice dams that can damage the exterior and interior of homes. A roof rake can help you remove snow from your roof to reduce the risk of snow dams.
- Remove leaves from gutters each fall to reduce the risk of clogged gutters, which can lead to ice dams in the winter.
Read Also: Boat Dock Insurance in Florida.
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