Do you understand the ins and outs of your homeowner’s policy when it comes to water damage? Do you know what it will and won’t cover?
“Sudden and accidental” versus “gradual” are key words to consider when determining whether your homeowner’s policy will cover your water damage claim. Typically your homeowner’s policy will cover water damage that occurs from an accident or an event that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly in your home. However, there are also events that may not be covered, like gradual damage or damage from water outside the home. Let’s review some scenarios.
Sudden and Accidental Water Damage
Let’s say you left your sink running by accident. If it overflowed and ruined your flooring, it would be covered. That would be considered damage stemming from an accident.
Another instance that would be covered is if the weight of snow or ice caused damage to your roof and water leaked in. Water damage from frozen pipes bursting would also be covered.
Gradual Water Damage
If you had a maintenance problem that you failed to take care of, the damage would not be covered. In this case, you knew you had a problem and didn’t fix it. For example, a long term leak that you failed to fix, causing damage to your ceiling, walls or floors, would likely not be covered.
Similarly, going back to the frozen pipe scenario, if you are found to have not taken the proper precautions to avoid a frozen pipe burst, such as not keeping the heat on during extreme cold weather conditions or not insulating your pipes, you could be denied coverage.
Partial Coverage
There are instances where only part of the damage would be covered as well. If your dishwasher or washing machine broke down, and flooded the room, the damage from that would be covered. The broken appliiance, on the other hand, would not be.
Damage from Water Outside the Home
Water damage that occurs from water outside the home requires having flood insurance. Your standard homeowners policy will not cover this. Unfortunately, it’s not just those that live close to bodies of water like creeks, rivers, lake or the ocean that benefit from flood insurance. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or snowfall, flood insurance might make sense as well.
Water damage in the home can be very costly, so it’s important to understand what your homeowner’s policy will cover. You can also obtain additional coverage if needed. Speak to your insurance professional at Nicholas / Tobin Insurance to discuss your coverage needs.
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Nicholas / Tobin Insurance, located in New Milford, Connecticut, provides its clients the highest quality insurance products and services available today to protect them, their families, and businesses. We offer homeowners insurance, renter’s insurance, car insurance, business insurance, travel insurance, and more! Our commitment to service means our team of licensed insurance professionals is here to help with simple policy questions, consult with you to determine appropriate coverages and be available 24/7 when trouble strikes, and you need assistance managing through the claim process.
