Given how much water modern homes require for appliances and plumbing, it shouldn’t be a surprise that water damage tops the list of the most common homeowners insurance claims1.
Q. If my home is flooded in a natural disaster, will my homeowners policy cover the damage?
A. Private insurance companies do not cover losses resulting from weather-related flooding. However, you can buy separate Flood Insurance.
Q. Will my insurance pay for flooding damage to my floors or walls if a pipe or appliance in my home suddenly springs a leak?
A. Yes, most policies will cover these damages. Some may even cover “access” or the cost of getting to the burst pipe. However, claims can be denied if the leak resulted from a lack of upkeep.
Having a water damage claim is no fun. Managing emergency services, repairs and sometimes additional living expenses can drain your time and resources. That’s why its important to know what’s covered and ways to prevent damage from happening in the first place. Here is a list of suggestion to prevent water damage from happening:
- Keep your roof well maintained and free of moss.
- Keep trees trimmed back from the house and remove dead or dying trees that are more likely to fall.
- Extend your gutter system away from the house and keep the gutters clean.
- Regularly check your sump pump. If you have a basement, chances are you most likely have a sump pump. Make sure you are properly maintaining it and check it at least once per year.
- Inspect and replace hoses connected to your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, and water heater.
- Drain your water heater. It is recommended that you drain your water heater at least once per year, depending on the mineral content present in your local water supply.
- Prevent frozen pipes by insulating those that are exposed to the elements and using a smart thermostat to maintain a water temperature that will prevent your pipes from freezing.
- Install automatic shutoffs in HVAC air handler drip trays in case drain lines clog and back up.
- Install individual appliance shutoff systems on washing machines, hot water heaters or dishwashers.
- If they start to leak for any number of reasons, the water to that appliance will shut off immediately.
For more information on water damage and your individual policy, please contact your client advisor.
