![]() (Some detectors can automatically shut off the water to prevent damage). Install smart water leak detectors that will send an alert to your phone or email.Drain water heaters twice a year to help prevent sediment buildup.If you have a problem like a leaky faucet, it’s best to take care of it as soon as possible. Remember, homeowners insurance covers water damage that is “sudden and accidental” but not gradual problems or maintenance issues. Keeping up with routine maintenance and making prompt repairs is key. One of the best ways to protect a home from water damage is by taking some preventative measures. How Can I Protect My Home From Water Damage? You may want to consider sump and water backup coverage for those types of problems.Īll other property damage including vandalism and malicious mischief Water damage from a sump pump failure or related equipment. ![]() ![]() The cost to repair or replace the source of the water damage, like fixing a broken dishwasher or washing machine.Water damage from seepage or leaks through a foundation.Water damage from leaks from a swimming pool or other structures.Water damage that backs up through a sewer or drain (unless you purchased special coverage for this problem.).If you want coverage for earthquake damage, you’ll need to buy a separate earthquake insurance policy. For example, if your pipe burst because of an earthquake, the water damage most likely won’t be covered. Water damage from “earth movement” like an earthquake, landslide or mudslide.Water damage from intentional acts, like setting a fire to your home or purposely turning off the heat during the winter.Water damage due to lack of maintenance or negligence, such as not repairing a plumbing problem or failing to keep the heat on during freezing temperatures.Consider flood insurance if you want coverage for these problems. Flood water includes hurricanes, tsunamis, storm surges, water from overflowing rivers, and water due to heavy rain. Most notably, damage from floods is not covered by home insurance policy. Here are some common problems that are typically not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy: Types of Water Damage Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance 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 from storms, such as heavy rain or hail.Failure to do so could result in further water damage that won’t be covered. 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. Water damage from a roof leak, such as damage from a storm or a tree that falls on your roof.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.Accidental leaks, such as leaking plumbing or an appliance leak, like a broken washing machine or dishwasher.This might include a frozen pipe that bursts, but not if you neglected to keep the home properly heated. ![]() Water damage covered by homeowners insurance typically includes: And flooding is not covered, such as damage from storm surge during a hurricane. Generally, water damage that is considered “sudden and accidental” is covered (like a burst pipe) but not gradual damage, like a leaking bathroom sink. If you’re not sure whether your insurance will cover water damage caused by a leaky pipe or appliance, review the exclusions and exact wording of your policy with your insurance agent.Types of Water Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance In some instances, they’ll accept your claim as long as you address the situation quickly and it isn’t a clear result of negligence. Like we keep saying, everything boils down to the wording in your policy.įortunately, there are some providers who understand it’s impossible to know if you have a leak until the signs of water damage start to show. For example, if a visibly leaking dishwasher damaged your home over the course of a few months, your insurance company might not accept your claim.īut what if you didn’t know you had a leak because the pipe was hidden behind a wall? Gradual damage means damage that results from the “gradual release of water over an extended period of time”. Some Insurers Might Cover Hidden Gradual Damage or Water Leaks
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