Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing-related Damage? 

In Lake Forest, Illinois, homeowners insurance policies can offer protection for certain types of plumbing-related damage, but coverage depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. Standard policies generally include protection against sudden and accidental damage from plumbing issues, yet they may exclude coverage for gradual or preventable damage, such as that caused by a longstanding leak.

What Types of Plumbing-related Damage Are Covered?

Homeowners insurance policies typically break down coverage for plumbing issues into two main categories: “dwelling coverage” and “personal property coverage.” Dwelling coverage applies to structural damage to your home (e.g., walls, floors and ceilings), while personal property coverage may extend to damaged belongings like furniture or electronics.

In cases of sudden water damage caused by a burst pipe, for instance, your policy may cover the repair of the water-damaged areas and affected belongings, depending on your coverage limits.

However, Illinois homeowners should note that insurance companies generally do not cover damage from neglected maintenance issues. For instance, if a leak has been allowed to persist over time, leading to mold or structural decay, your insurance provider might deny the claim, viewing it as preventable through routine maintenance.

Regularly checking pipes, insulating them during winter and repairing minor leaks as they appear can help avoid this issue.

Should You Consider Additional Coverage?

Another important consideration is whether your policy includes flood or sewer backup coverage. While your insurance may cover a burst pipe, flooding caused by external sources or sewer backups may require additional endorsements. Since these events are relatively common in some regions of Illinois, policyholders may wish to add this coverage to their plan.

Learn More

Review your policy details or discuss them with your insurance provider to ensure you’re adequately protected. This proactive approach can help you understand what is covered and identify potential gaps, ensuring peace of mind should a plumbing issue arise. Contact Price Insurance today to get the coverage you need.

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.