When disaster strikes your home, your first priority is ensuring everyone’s safety. But once the immediate danger passes, a pressing question arises: “How much will it cost to repair this damage, and does my homeowners insurance cover it?” This concern becomes even more significant if the damage—whether from water or fire—was due to something you did.
While homeowners insurance policies differ, many follow certain general rules.
In the case of water damage, most homeowners insurance policies will not cover the cost to repair the source of the problem itself. For instance, if a pipe bursts, your insurance likely won’t pay to fix the pipe, but it will cover the damage caused by the water, such as replacing damaged flooring or drywall. However, if the damage resulted from your negligence, coverage could be denied, though this varies by policy.
When it comes to sewer backups, the situation can be trickier. Many standard homeowners insurance policies do not include coverage for damages resulting from sewer backups, though you can usually purchase additional coverage to protect against this type of damage.
Fire damage typically involves more straightforward insurance rules. If a fire occurs due to an intentional act (like arson), your insurance won’t cover the repair costs, and you’ll likely face legal consequences. But if the fire was accidental, even if it resulted from negligence, most homeowners insurance policies will cover the repairs.
Additionally, your policy may cover personal belongings damaged by water or fire, subject to certain limits. And if your home becomes uninhabitable due to the damage (which is common with fire damage), your insurance might pay for temporary housing while repairs are being completed.
The key takeaway is to act quickly when your home suffers fire or water damage. Contact professionals who can assist you in navigating your homeowners insurance and ensuring that your home is properly restored. We’re here to help you through every step of the process, from communicating with your insurance representative to restoring your home to its original condition.