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When you first bought your home, you had to sit through the arduous process of researching homeowner’s insurance policies. Then, you had to choose the right one. This required combing through a lot of fine print and negotiating back and forth.
In the end, you have coverage for life’s unexpected challenges inside and around your home. However, one thing homeowners struggle with is water damage. Is it covered by your typical homeowner’s insurance policy? If not, how do you acquire restoration services in the event of a burst pipe or flood? We’re here to answer all your questions.
Types of Water Damage
There are many types of water damage that affect households across the nation. These range from simple plumbing mishaps to full-blown storm fronts sweeping through the area. Both are devastating in their own ways.
Typically, homeowner’s insurance will cover sudden or accidental discharge, sewer backups or water backups, overflows, flooding, and storm-related water damage. What insurance does not cover, however, is gradual water damage, such as water damage stemming from a plumbing pipe leaking over time or a roof leak.
If you had an opportunity to repair the leak and prevent the damage, then the insurance company will argue that you could have and should have done so before the situation escalated.
Examples of Gradual Water Damage
Now that we have clarified that gradual water damage is not covered, let’s dive into the various types of gradual water damage. Then, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for, including.
- Plumbing, faucets, or pipes leaking over time that lead to water damage along the walls, ceilings, or floors.
- Water damage caused by any form of seepage through cracks in the foundation or the siding of the house.
- Flashing, tiles, or shingles on the roof that show visible signs of damage.
- Mold, rot, or corrosion.
- Poor repairs or a complete lack of repairs to the home.
Most insurance companies are firm in their wording. They won’t cover gradual water damage. However, there are rare cases in which you could receive coverage. For more information on what gradual damage your insurance company will cover, you’ll need to refer to your policy. Read through the fine print thoroughly or speak with your insurance advisor for assistance.
There are some insurance companies that allow you to purchase mold coverage as an additional expense on your policy. This varies based on the state and the insurance company, though. Again, you’ll need to ask your insurance advisor for more information.
Find a Restoration 1 location near you to properly address water damage inside of your home. You can schedule 24-hour water damage restoration by calling your local office and asking for emergency repairs then and there.
