Types of Water Damage Covered By Home and Property Insurance
Water damage, one of the most common threats to residential property, can be expensive, complicated to resolve, and stressful to endure. Many property owners lose their homes or face costly water damage restoration bills. Since this type of damage is so common and unpredictable, many property owners assume that homeowner or commercial property insurance policies cover it.
While this is unfortunately not always true, there are many ways property owners can help protect their investments and recuperate losses in the event of water damage. Thoroughly reading property insurance policies and staying informed are the best ways to be action-ready in the event of a water damage emergency.
Common Causes of Water Damage that Insurance Policies Cover
While each homeowner or commercial property insurance policy is different, the types of water damage typically covered by these policies include:
- Damage from burst pipes
- Frozen pipes in heated buildings
- System or appliance overflow (accidental)
- Water damage caused by covered losses
Sometimes, policies cover additional aspects and causes of water damage, such as:
- Hidden leaks in walls, floors, and other spaces
- Mold development
- Plumbing malfunctions from improper installations or repairs
- Leaking or damaged roofs
While most home or commercial property insurance policies usually cover the above types of damage, this is not always the case. Additionally, most insurance policies may cover damage caused by a water leak but won’t pay to repair or replace the source of the leak itself. This means home and commercial business owners could end up paying out-of-pocket for water damage restoration services, including water removal.
Being prepared for the worst in Jefferson, GA, starts with staying informed. Property owners should review their specific policies for details regarding coverage limitations and requirements.
Water Damage Not Covered By Property Insurance
Most property insurance policies are very specific about the types of damage covered and not covered. Knowing which kinds of damages their policies cover will help property owners make better choices when choosing water damage restoration services.
Gradually Occurring Damage
Many homes or commercial property insurance policies don’t cover water damage that has occurred over time. In most cases, insurance policies assume that gradual or progressive water damage results from negligence on the part of the property owner.
Some types of gradual water damage include:
- Water damage to the foundation due to cracks or fissures
- Water damage related to a poorly maintained roof
- Untreated mold, rot, or corrosion
- And more
Sewer Line Backups
Most standard policies don’t cover damage caused by clogged pipes, sewer line backups, or sump pump issues. To prevent these issues, homeowners should schedule regular maintenance and inspection of all plumbing systems with trained and experienced experts.
Flooding
Due to the potential devastation that occurs during flooding and the cost of water removal services, the typical home or property insurance policy will not cover this type of damage. For this reason, some companies offer separate flood insurance policies for owners looking to safeguard their properties.
Homeowners who live in or near floodplains should consider asking their insurance providers about flood insurance policies.
Matrix Mitigation Services is a leading remediation and restoration service in Jefferson and surrounding areas. For more information about water damage restoration services or to request a free estimate, call Matrix Mitigation at (855) 541-1010 today.
