Common questions about water damage and insurance coverage

Water damage causes

Causes of water damage can be categorized in several ways:

• Sudden or accidental water discharge or overflow – a burst pipe; washing machine malfunction; toilet, sink or tub overflows
• Weather related damage – weight of ice, snow or sleet; ice dams; freezing pipes; wind damage; roof damage due to hail or falling trees.
• Sewer backup – back up discharge from a sewer system or sump pump into your property
• Flood – excessive rainfall or a sudden thaw causing a rapid rising, overflow or accumulation of water. Not every situation meets the insurance flood definition
• Seepage and gradual damage – infiltration of water into a structure caused by surface water such as rain, runoff, or saturated ground.

What’s usually covered

Sudden or accidental discharge – Overflow of water – Weather related damage. Most standard policies cover damage from a “sudden or accidental discharge, or overflow of water” or “weather related damage as outlined above, but situations and policies vary, so it’s wise to review the specific language of your insurance policy to be sure you understand any limitations.

What’s typically not covered

Flooding – Sewer Backup. Most standard policies do not provide coverage for backups of sewers or drains, or flooding. The good news is that you generally have the option to purchase coverage for these situations. Coverage for sewer back up can usually be added to a standard policy through an endorsement. To be covered for flooding, you need to purchase a separate policy, typically from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Be aware that not every situation of rising or rush water meets the NFIP definition of a flood. The NFIP definition is specific regarding flooded area and number of properties involved in order for a water event to qualify as a flood and have flood insurance coverage apply.

Seepage and Gradual damage. Seepage is a situation where water enters the home by some other means than the above qualifying covered loss situations. For example, surface water coming in through cracks in the foundation or other openings. Seepage is typically not covered by insurance policies because it is viewed as a maintenance issue. If you have seepage or drainage issues, speak with a contractor about how to remedy the situation.

Gradual damage is something that happens slowly overtime due to aging materials, normal wear, or other issues, which is why periodically inspecting your property and making preventative repairs for proper maintenance is important. Some examples include leaky plumbing causing damage to ceilings, walls or floors; deteriorating roof materials allow water to enter; rot, corrosion or mold. If water damage is not sudden or accidental, but rather results from a problem that went undetected for some time, there is typically not coverage.

What to do if you have water damage

Don’t wait to call your insurer. If you notice damage to your home, call your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance professional can offer advice and may be able to arrange for assistance to help prevent further damage. They may be able to help get experienced professionals out faster to address the problem than if you call on your own.

Take steps to prevent further damage. You are responsible for preventing further damage. While waiting for the insurance adjuster and starting clean up, you may feel the need to move things or throw something away. Before you do so take a few minutes to document what has occurred and any possessions or materials. If the situation is an emergency and you need to take immediate action to prevent further damage by hiring a plumber or contractor, keep receipts and records of any expenditure.

Be proactive

If the above general overview has raised questions for you, speak with your insurance professional. Confirm what coverage you have and what optional coverage is available such as flood or sewer backup protection. By making adjustments to your insurance and following a good maintenance and prevention plan, you can reduce the chances of damage to your home. Also, if a claim does happen you‘ll be better prepared.