An estimated $13 billion is spent by Americans each year, with around 14,000 people experiencing water damage-related emergencies each day across the US. Data shows that water damage and freezing together are the second leading cause of all property insurance claims.
Homeowners need to have a clear understanding of what types of water damage are covered by insurance. After experiencing a catastrophe of water damage, having issues with the insurance companies is the last thing they need. They also need to be aware of ways to prevent water damage and the importance of initiating water damage restoration as soon as possible to limit the extent of the damage. In this article, Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. gives homeowners an insight into whether insurance covers water damage restoration costs.
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Though water damage is covered by standard homeowner insurance policies, not all types of water damage are covered. In general, sudden and accidental water damage is covered by insurance, but claims for gradual water damage may be denied. Water damage due to homeowners' negligence, lack of maintenance, and failure to do required repairs are not covered by insurance. Each insurance policy varies in its coverage, deductibles, and other stipulations.
Water Damage That Is Usually Covered By Homeowner Insurance Policies
- Burst pipes including pipes bursting after being frozen. If pipes get frozen and burst after the heat has been turned off purposely during winter, the water damage claim may not be processed.
- Water damage that happens after fires, when extinguishing it, and from the sprinklers used by firefighters.
- Sudden faults in plumbing and accidental overflows.
- Roof leaks due to sudden damage, like that after a storm.
- Sudden malfunctioning of appliances like dishwashers or washing machines leads to leaks. But though the water damage restoration costs are covered, the appliance replacement costs are not.
- Water damage due to heavy rain, hail storms, and snow.
- Water damage resulting from vandalism.
Mold removal may be covered wholly or partially by insurance if it is due to water damage covered by the particular policy. Such mold growth is considered an extension of the water damage resulting from accidental and unexpected causes. If the mold seems to be due to poor maintenance and negligence of property, mold removal costs would not be covered by standard home insurance.
Water Exclusion Clause
A water exclusion clause is a clause in an insurance policy that excludes certain incidents that can lead to water damage from being covered by the policy. In Florida, these usually are perils that are high risk, like hurricanes.
Some causes of water damage that are not usually covered by standard homeowner insurance policies are listed below:
- When negligence and lack of maintenance cause water damage, the claim can be denied. Frozen pipes bursting due to the heat not being turned on and delay in repairing leaky pipes can lead to water damage that insurance companies may not cover. Homeowners could maintain records of repairs and maintenance work done as proof that their negligence did not contribute to water damage.
- Any water damage that is proved to have been caused intentionally will not be paid for by insurance providers.
- Water damage caused by earth movements like earthquakes, landslides, and mudslides needs a separate earthquake insurance policy.
- Sewage and drain backups are usually not covered by standard homeowner insurance policies, but a sewer backup rider can be purchased to cover such water damage costs.
- Flooding caused by rain, hurricanes, and tsunamis is excluded from standard insurance claims. A flood insurance policy may be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurance companies.
The assessment of water damage and subsequent water damage restoration must be carried out without delay. Delay in water damage repair can lead to further damage, safety concerns, and a rise in repair costs. Insurance companies can deny such claims. Hence, water damage mitigation should begin without delay, preferably by professionals, like Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. in Delray Beach.
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Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. is licensed, insured, and trained in its areas of expertise. With the best prices for water damage restoration they offer in Delray Beach, this company meets the quality and cost requirements of homeowners and insurance companies. Water damage restoration professionals will ensure that the whole process is done efficiently. This will make the insurance claim process easier and faster. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. can be reached on the phone number (561) 316-3989 to provide service of guaranteed quality.
