Even though it’s essential to life, water is also one of the most destructive forces on Earth. So when your home is damaged by water, even just a relatively small amount, you could be left with quite a bit of destruction. You’re also left with some questions, like “will my homeowners insurance policy cover water damage? And to what extent?”
That’s a wise question to ask, because water damage can result in some pretty expensive repairs. But the answer might be a bit confusing. Your policy probably doesn’t cover all water damage, without question. Instead, the extent of your coverage will depend upon the type of damage – as in, the source of the water.
Yes, really. Water damage is not necessarily covered in all forms, by all insurance policies. Instead, the source of the water will determine whether your repairs are covered.
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover:
- Damage from appliance leaks, like dishwashers or washing machines
- A leaking roof (in most cases)
- Pipes that have broken or are leaking
- Water that was used to extinguish a house fire
- Water damage from storms, if the water enters your house from above
Keep in mind that homeowners insurance policies can seem a bit weird. They might cover the repairs from water damage, but not the problem that caused the damage in the first place. For example, if your dishwasher leaks, the resulting damage from water will be covered. But repairs from the faulty dishwasher are not.
As if that isn’t confusing enough, water damage usually won’t be covered under your homeowners insurance policy in the following circumstances:
- Flood waters that enter the home from ground level (as opposed to water that enters overhead)
- Water that enters the home due to negligence
- Backed up sewer lines
- Intentional acts of damage
Of course, a separate flood insurance policy will cover some types of water damage, such as water that enters your home from ground level. This type of insurance can be added to your main homeowners insurance policy.
Rules can vary from one insurance provider to another, so don’t count yourself out until you check. And any time you sustain water damage to your home, make sure you call us first. We can take swift action to save as much of your home and possessions as possible, while helping you file your claim with the insurance company.
