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Homeowners Insurance, Renters Insurance, and Water Damage Coverage
No matter what kind of insurance you have (homeowners or renters), you should know what is and is not covered under your insurance. The distinction between them is sometimes only a thin line. The major distinction between the insurance of homeowners and that of renters is that homeowners have insurance that applies to the actual building in which they are residing (and other related buildings like garages). In case of renters’ insurance, the owner will have the building covered, and you will have your own property covered by insurance. Water damage is considered to be one of the most common and expensive forms of insurance claims for homeowners.
One of the most common and costly types of insurance claims by homeowners is water damage. This includes damage caused by hard freezes. Every year, about one in 50 homeowners file a water damage or freezing claim, accounting for 29% of all homeowner’s insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Typically, damage to water, which is regarded as gradual, such as a dripping sink in the bathroom, is not covered, but damage that is regarded as sudden and accidental is covered (such as a broken pipe).
Understanding Water Damage Coverage in Homeowners Insurance
Sudden or Accidental Water Discharge, Burst Pipes: Accidental Leaks. Such as leaking plumbing/appliances, or a broken washing machine/dishwasher.
Water Damage After A Fire: The water used to put out the flames, like water from a sprinkler system or a fire department hose.
Water Damage From A Roof Leak: Like loss due to a storm or a falling tree on your roof. Remember that in case an accident (such as a fallen tree) damages your roof, you will have to repair the damage within a reasonable period of time. Otherwise, one might be faced with more water damage, which is not covered.
Water Damage From Storms: Generally includes water damage as a result of a storm, e.g., heavy rain, hail or wind-blown rain, which has found its way into your house via an opening like a broken window or damaged roof.
Ice Dams: The ice that forms in your gutter and ruins your home, might be covered, provided the damage was not caused by a failure to maintain the property, which was not predicted.
Understanding Water Damage Exclusions in Homeowners Insurance
Flood Damage: The most striking is that a home insurance policy does not cover the damage brought about by floods. Flood water consists of hurricanes, tsunamis, storm surges, overflowing rivers and water as a result of heavy rainfall. In case you would like to have coverage on such issues, you need to consider taking flood insurance.
Gradual Water Damage: Homeowners’ insurance normally does not cover water losses that come after a long period of time as a result of faulty maintenance, wear and tear, or absence of proper repairs. This may be in the form of long-term leaks, seepage or frequent plumbing issues that could have been resolved by routine maintenance.
Water Damage From Intentional Acts: The insurance policies are created to cover such unexpected events and accidents and not the deliberate destruction by the policyholder or some other persons. Deliberate structures that can cause water damage include vandalism, intentional mischief or just plain acts such as putting a fire in your house or switching off the heating in the winter.
Water Damage due to Earth Movement: In the form of an earthquake, landslide or mudslide. To illustrate, in case your pipe breaks down due to an earthquake, then chances are that the water damage will not be covered. In case you want to be covered by earthquake damage, you will have to purchase another policy, which will be an earthquake insurance policy.
Sewer Backup: The typical homeowner’s insurance policies do not include sewer overflow or sump pump overflow. (There can, however, be separate endorsements or riders to incorporate cover on these particular situations)
Water damage from leaks in a swimming pool or other outdoor water structures is generally not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance policies. Insurance providers typically consider swimming pools, hot tubs, and similar outdoor water features as separate entities that require specialized coverage. Therefore, any damage resulting from leaks or malfunctions in these structures may not be included in the standard policy.
FAQ’s
Q: Does homeowners’ insurance cover all types of water damage?
A: No. Homeowners’ insurance does not tend to cover floods, gradual water damage, or the problems that can be encountered due to maintenance.
Q: Is water damage from a burst pipe usually covered?
A: Yes. Damage caused by a sudden pipe burst is generally covered, as long as it wasn’t caused by neglect or poor maintenance.
Q: Will my insurance cover water damage from heavy rain?
A: It can be covered when the rain gets in through losses of the storm like a broken window or a torn roof. Flooding from rising water is usually excluded.
Q: Is sewer backup covered under a standard homeowners policy?
A: Sewer backups are not usually covered by most standard policies, although extensions may be frequently offered to provide this kind of coverage.
Q: Does renters’ insurance cover water damage?
A: The personal belongings that were damaged by the water are usually covered by the insurers of rented houses, but not the houses themselves, as it is the duty of the property owners.
Q: What should I do immediately after water damage occurs?
A: Turn off the water supply in case of any possibility, record the damage, call your insurance company and immediately call a professional restoration service.
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