Could a Water Damage Claim Leave You Paying Out of Pocket?
Many homeowners assume all water damage is covered by insurance. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case.
One of the most important things homeowners can do is periodically review their policy with their trusted insurance agent or carrier and ask specific questions about common water damage scenarios.
The last thing you want to discover after a water damage loss is that some of the damage to your home isn't covered.
What Water Damage Is Typically Covered?
While every policy is different, many homeowners insurance policies generally provide coverage for sudden and accidental water damage caused by:
• Burst Pipes
• Accidental Plumbing Failures
• Water Heater Failures
• Appliance Supply Line Failures
• Accidental Overflows
• Wind-Driven Rain Entering Through Verifiable Storm-Created Roof Damage
Coverage varies by carrier and policy. Homeowners should review their specific coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and endorsements with their insurance professional.
What Water Damage Often Requires Additional Coverage?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that several common water damage scenarios often require separate coverage, endorsements, or flood insurance, including:
• Flooding Caused by Rising Groundwater
• Overflowing Rivers, Streams, Brooks, Ponds, or Lakes
• Coastal Storm Surge
• Sewer Backup
• Sump Pump Overflow or Failure
• Groundwater Intrusion
Without the appropriate protection in place, homeowners may face significant out-of-pocket repair and restoration expenses.
Do You Live in a Higher-Risk Flood Area?
Many homeowners associate flood risk only with coastal communities. While coastal properties can face elevated flood risks, flooding can occur almost anywhere under the right conditions.
Homeowners living in coastal communities such as Newport, Middletown, Narragansett, South Kingstown, Westerly, Bristol, and Warren should understand their flood exposure. However, inland properties located near rivers, streams, brooks, ponds, lakes, wetlands, or other low-lying areas may also be vulnerable to flooding during severe weather events.
Even homes located outside FEMA-designated flood zones can experience flood-related damage.
That's why it's important to speak with your insurance professional to determine whether your property is located in a FEMA-designated flood zone, understand your flood risk, and discuss whether flood insurance may be appropriate for your location.
While discussing your water damage coverage, it's also a good time to review related coverage for mold and roof damage
Property Damage Coverage Review Checklist
Not sure where to start? Use this checklist when reviewing your policy with your insurance agent or carrier. Property Damage Coverage Checklist.
☐ Is flood damage covered if water enters my home from rising groundwater?
☐ Do I have flood insurance?
☐ Is my property located in a FEMA-designated flood zone?
☐ Is sewer backup covered under my policy?
☐ Is sump pump overflow or sump pump failure covered?
☐ Does my policy cover groundwater intrusion?
☐ What deductible applies to water damage claims?
☐ Are there limits on water damage coverage that I should be aware of?
☐ Are there endorsements available that would better protect my property?
☐ Have there been any changes to my policy or coverage since my last review?
A Short Conversation Could Save You Thousands
Too often, homeowners don't discover coverage gaps until after a loss occurs.
A brief conversation with your insurance agent or carrier today can help you better understand what's covered, identify potential gaps in protection, and determine whether flood insurance, sewer backup coverage, or other endorsements may be appropriate for your property.
At Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists, we routinely respond to water damage losses throughout Rhode Island. In many cases, insurance helps cover the cost of mitigation, cleanup, and restoration. In other situations, homeowners discover that certain types of water damage were not included in their policy.
Because when water is pouring into your home is not the time to discover what's missing from your policy.
Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists
One Call Does It All.
401-274-4444