Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Water damage is a common and costly issue for homeowners.

Whether it’s from a burst pipe or a leaking appliance, understanding your insurance coverage is crucial.

Which Types of Water Damage Are Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance can typically cover the following types of water damage:

• Sudden and accidental damage—Homeowners insurance typically covers the cost of sudden and accidental water damage. Examples may include burst pipes or appliance leaks.

• Fire-related water damage—Damages caused by water used to extinguish flames (from sprinklers or fire department hoses) may be financially covered.

• Storms and rain—There may be limited coverage for water damage caused by heavy rain, hail or roof leaks under specific circumstances. However, damage resulting from negligence, normal wear and tear, or flooding (such as a storm surge during a hurricane) is typically not covered.

• Water backup—This optional coverage may be added onto a policy and can help cover water backups or sump pump overflow.

Home insurance policies can vary significantly in terms of coverage and available options. Be sure to consult with your Price Insurance Services representative to understand exactly what water damage your insurance may or may not cover.

What Are Examples of Water Damage Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover the following:

• Flood damage—Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy for water originating from outside the home, such as from hurricanes, tsunamis and overflowing rivers.

• Maintenance neglect—Damage resulting from lack of maintenance or negligence (e.g., not fixing a plumbing issue) isn’t covered.

• Appliance repairs—Repairing the source of water damage, such as a broken dishwasher, is your responsibility.

Policies vary, making it essential to review your specific coverage. If you’re concerned about water damage, consider additional flood insurance.

How to Prevent Water from Damaging Your Home

Consider the following steps homeowners can take to prevent water damage:

• Check for leaks. Inspect your home regularly for leaks in pipes, faucets and appliances. Address any issues promptly.

• Inspect your roof regularly for leaks. Repair any missing or damaged shingles promptly to prevent water from infiltrating your home.

• Clean gutters. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and debris. Proper drainage prevents water from overflowing and damaging your home’s foundation.

• Extend downspouts. Ensure downspouts extend away from your home’s foundation to prevent water pooling.

• Plant wisely. Avoid planting large trees near water lines to prevent root intrusion.

• Inspect appliances. Check appliances regularly for leaks or signs of wear.

• Replace hoses. Replace old or damaged hoses on appliances to prevent leaks.

• Install a sump pump. Consider installing a sump pump to remove excess water during heavy rains.

• Insulate pipes. Insulate exposed pipes in cold areas (e.g., crawl spaces, attics) to prevent freezing and bursting.

• Know the location of water shut-off valves. In case of a leak, you can quickly turn off the water supply.

• Install water alarms. Water alarms can alert you to leaks or flooding early.

Homeowners Insurance in Lake Forest, IL

Contact Price Insurance today to discuss your homeowners insurance and additional coverage that can help cover the cost of water damage.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.