Can I Claim Water Damage on My Homeowners Insurance? | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews
2/18/2021 (Permalink)
For many homeowners, sustaining water damage is a confusing and convoluted process, and dealing with the aftermath can feel like quite a chore. While there is no discounting this, being aware of your options in regard to water damage and understanding how to begin to rebuild can go a long way in mitigating the overall damage.
Experiencing water damage can be quite costly, so if you are able to claim it on your insurance, it can make the recovery process much easier.
Planning for a hypothetical sounds like a difficult process, but having a plan is the only sure way to make your restoration process easier. Because one out of every 50 homes will sustain water damage in a given year, it is best to know what to do in case it happens to you—including what scenarios might be eligible for an insurance claim to recoup some of the damages that occur.
When Will Water Damage Be Covered by Insurance?
In some scenarios, water damage will be eligible to be claimed on your insurance policy, while in others, it will not. The types of water damage that are typically covered by homeowners insurance are:
- Water damage that is sudden and internal
- Water damage from rain or snow
- Burst or leaking pipes, including faulty plumbing
- Appliance overflow
- Leaking of the roof
- Mold damage that is a result of water damage
What Types of Water Damage Are Not Covered by Standard Insurance?
While the above types of damage are typically covered, there are many more possible scenarios that are not. Some of the situations that will typically not be included by standard insurance include:
- Weather-related flooding
- Sewage or water pipe backups
- Water damage issues related to negligence
Fortunately, if flooding is a concern in your area, you can purchase additional flood insurance for your home to ensure you are covered if a flood does occur.
Additionally, this list involves typical coverages, but your own insurance coverage may vary, so it is wise to check with your provider if you are concerned with your coverage.
If you experience water damage, we are here to help from start to finish—including working with your insurance company if applicable. You can contact us at any hour to start the restoration process.