How to Know if Water Damage is Covered

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

You’ve been cleaning up around the house, your dishwasher has been running and you walk in to the kitchen to find standing water at the base of the dishwasher. Naturally, you clean up the water mess. Next day, you notice that the flooring has buckled. Will your homeowner's insurance cover the cost to fix the flooring?

Most likely because this water damage was sudden and accidental which standard homeowner's insurance policies usually provide this kind of protection. Same holds true if the water heater ruptures or a water pipe bursts and damages the drywall or the ceiling.  

What May Not Be Covered

• Damage from an unresolved maintenance issue-the flooring from this dishwasher leak should be repaired or replaced, but if you've had a continuous leak near a faucet or other plumbing fixtures, it may not be covered.
• The Cause of the Water Damage Loss-Most insurance policies will cover the cost to repair the damage, but you shouldn't count on the insurance company replacing the culprit, like the dishwasher.
• Sewer or Drain Water Backup- If water backs up into your home through an outside sewer or drain line, more than likely you have no coverage. You may be able to purchase additional coverage to protect you from this kind of emergency disaster.
• Flood-No type of flood damage is protected by your standard homeowners’ policy.  Whether the flooding occurred as a result of a storm, or a water surge, it does not matter. You can purchase a separate flood insurance policy, however, depending on your location, and your mortgage company,  a flood insurance policy may be required when buying a home.

Contact us with any questions or concerns about water damage caused by a flood at SERVPRO of Chesapeake North, 757-465-9700.