Water damage can be one of the most costly and disruptive events a homeowner or business owner can face. From burst pipes to flooding, excess moisture can ruin floors, walls, furniture, and personal belongings in a matter of hours. The big question is whether your insurance policy will cover the resulting damage and repair costs. Understanding what constitutes an insurable water damage event is crucial to making a successful claim.
Water is ubiquitous in our homes and businesses, whether in pipes, appliances, or weather events. Unfortunately, where there’s water, there’s the potential for serious damage if it ends up somewhere it shouldn’t be. That raises the question – what exactly are insurable water damage events?
What Are Insurable Water Damage Events?
Most standard home and commercial insurance policies provide coverage for “sudden and accidental” incidents of water damage. This usually includes:
- Burst pipes
- Appliance leaks or malfunctions
- Water heater ruptures
- Roof leaks from storms
- Flooding from natural disasters
However, policies often exclude coverage for water damage arising from lack of maintenance, continuous leaks that the owner failed to repair, or flooding in high-risk areas. It’s critical to review your policy details.
What to Do If Water Damage Is Discovered
If you discover water damage in your home or business, time is of the essence. The longer moisture lingers, the higher the risk of mold growth and structural deterioration. Follow these steps:
- Locate and stop the source of the water if possible.
- Remove as much standing water as you can with mops, towels, etc.
- Move dry, unblemished possessions to a safe, dry area.
- Don’t remove or disturb wet carpets or upholstered furniture.
- Open windows and run fans/dehumidifiers to aid drying.
- Notify your insurance provider immediately and document all damages.
Is Water Damage Insured?
The answer depends on your specific policy and the nature of the water damage event. Most insurance covers “sudden and accidental” water incidents like burst pipes or appliance failures. However, damage from flooding, lack of maintenance, or continuous leaks may be excluded.
Consulting with an experienced loss assessor can help maximize your chances of a successful and adequate settlement from your insurance provider. They understand policy nuances and can provide evidence to support your claim.
Types of Water Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Generally, water damage that is considered “sudden and accidental” is covered (like a burst pipe) but not gradual damage, like a leaking bathroom sink. And flooding is not covered, such as damage from storm surge during a hurricane.
Water damage covered by homeowners insurance typically includes:
- Accidental leaks, such as leaking plumbing or an appliance leak, like a broken washing machine or dishwasher.
- Burst pipes. This might include a frozen pipe that bursts, but not if you neglected to keep the home properly heated.
- Ice dams, such as ice that builds up in your gutter and damages your home, may be covered as long as the damage was sudden and wasn’t caused by a lack of maintenance.
- Water damage after a fire from water used to extinguish the flames, such as water from a sprinkler system or a hose from the fire department.
- Water damage from a roof leak, such as damage from a storm or a tree that falls on your roof. Keep in mind, if an accident (like a fallen tree) damages your roof, you’ll be required to fix the damage in a reasonable amount of time. Failure to do so could result in further water damage that won’t be covered.
- Water damage from storms, such as heavy rain or hail.
How Can a Loss Assessor Help?
A qualified loss assessor like those at Insurance Claim Solutions acts as your advocate throughout the claims process. Their expertise and services can prove invaluable:
- Conducting a comprehensive assessment of damages
- Quantifying repair/replacement costs with detailed estimates
- Providing evidence and documentation to substantiate your claim
- Negotiating firmly but fairly with insurance adjusters
- Ensuring you receive the full entitlements under your policy
- Overseeing mitigation efforts and repairs to your satisfaction
Loss Assessors Dublin – Insurance Claim Solutions
Based in Dublin, Insurance Claim Solutions is a leading firm of chartered loss assessors dedicated to protecting the interests of home and business owners. ICS is led by Trevor Kelly, a chartered surveyor with over 15 years of experience managing all aspects of insurance claims and reinstatement projects.
“Our mission is to take the stress out of the claims process for our clients,” states Trevor. “We handle every detail, from assessing the initial damages to overseeing quality repair work, eliminating any unnecessary hassles or shortfalls.”
Trevor Kelly | Insuance claim solutions
If you’re facing water damage and need professional representation for your insurance claim, contact Insurance Claim Solutions today for a free consultation.