Water damage frequently has the same outcome for most homeowners. You must repair your drywall, floors, heating and cooling systems, and electrical systems. Most importantly, the cause of the damage will determine whether or not your home insurance will ultimately cover it.

The most important question is how the water damage in your home occurred. Furthermore, the amount of the claim is determined by the type of home insurance you have. Continue reading to find out if your home insurance policy covers water leaks.

What Types of Water Damage are Covered by Home Insurance in Florida?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately one in every fifty homeowners will file a water damage claim each year. Poor plumbing systems, frozen pipes, or storm damage are common causes of damage.

When determining whether or not water leaks are covered by home insurance, the most important factor to consider is whether the damage was accidental or sudden. Water damage covered by home insurance includes the following:

• Storm-related water damage.
• Accidental or sudden water leaks or discharges.
• If you have flood insurance, flood damage is also covered.
• Accidental sewer overflow or backup. In some cases, you need an endorsement for this claim.

Water damage and leaks are typically only covered by home insurance if the cause is accidental or sudden. A sudden pipe burst is an example of what the homeowners’ insurance policy will cover. However, if the water leak causes damage gradually and over time, this type of insurance will not cover you.

Home insurance policies may cover damage caused by water leaks in some cases. These types of secondary damage are frequently the result of the initial accidental or unexpected water damage. However, not all home insurance policies are the same. Examine the policy’s wording carefully to determine what is covered.

Furthermore, even if the damage is covered, the coverage does not extend to the source of the water leak. As a result, things like replacement pipe costs are rarely covered by home insurance.

Types of Insurance Covers for your West Palm Beach, FL, Home

As previously stated, the type of insurance you have determines whether or not your water damage claim is covered. There are various types of home insurance, such as broad or basic policies, but many people choose comprehensive insurance because it provides the most coverage.

This type of insurance not only protects your home from various risks, such as numerous water-related claims, but it also protects your home’s contents. Flood damage, as well as damage from earthquakes and other natural disasters, is frequently not covered.

Dwelling Coverage

In a nutshell, this type of coverage protects the structure of your home. For example, if a plumbing fixture in a bathroom bursts, this coverage will cover any structural repairs, such as flooring. A similar pipe burst could cause flooding in your basement. In this case, dwelling coverage assists with structural repairs to your home, such as carpeting the basement or repairing the drywall.

Personal Property Coverage

This type of home insurance protects your belongings from water damage. For example, if the aforementioned pipe bursts in a furnished home, a personal property insurance policy will cover the cost of belongings damaged by the water leak, such as computers, TVs, stored possessions, or furniture.

In such cases, your insurance company may provide replacement cost coverage (replacing the items at their current market value) or actual cash value coverage (paying you the depreciated value of the item).

Furthermore, you will most likely have to pay a deductible out of pocket before either of the above insurance policies will pay out for water damage. Your home insurance policy will cover the remainder of the cost of replacing or repairing damaged items after you have paid the agreed-upon deductible.

After considering the deductible amount and the extent of the damage, you may decide to cover the replacement or repair costs yourself rather than file a water damage insurance claim.

Water Damage Not Covered by Home Insurance

The most common type of water damage that is not covered by home insurance is gradual damage. This type of damage is not covered by insurance because it is frequently caused by normal wear and tear, as opposed to sudden or accidental damage. The plumbing system and pipes in your home deteriorate over time, making them more vulnerable to water leaks.

The following are some common gradual water damage scenarios that are not covered by your home insurance policy:

Negligence

Inadequate maintenance disqualifies you from coverage. For example, if you do not repair a leaky faucet for an extended period of time and it causes widespread water damage, you will not be covered. Similarly, you may be considered negligent and ineligible for coverage if you did not turn off or properly insulate your outside water lines during the winter, resulting in pipe freezes and damage.

Rotting and Mold

Corrosion, rotting, or mold caused by a water leak are not usually covered. If a pipe bursts due to rusting and no repairs are made, the resulting water damage is not covered by your insurance policy.

Broken Pipes

If gradual water damage results in a broken pipe, your homeowners’ insurance company will not cover any related costs. Corroded and old plumbing fixtures that break as a result of gradual wear and tear are also not covered.

Roof Damage

Water damage and roof repair are covered by homeowners’ insurance if, for example, a tree falls on your roof. It will not, however, cover any resulting damage, such as mold damage.

Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Water Damage

Your standard homeowners’ insurance policy will also not cover damage caused by water leaking into your home as a result of a foundation crack or other flooding-related issues. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover top-down water-related damage, such as a burst overhead pipe or a roof leak during a storm. Bottom-up issues, such as a sewer or main drain backups, flooding, or ground seepage, are typically excluded.

Mold Damage

Mold damage is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance. This is due to mold’s ability to thrive in a moist, abandoned environment for extended periods of time. As a result, insurers consider it preventable damage if a homeowner maintains their home properly.

Notably, almost all home insurance policies exclude coverage for gradual damage and wear and tear, regardless of policy type or coverage limit. However, in rare cases, a few cover gradual damage. An expert in home insurance policies can help you understand the wording in your policy so you know what it entails and what is covered.

 

 

Get Extra Water Damage Insurance Protection

If you are concerned about a peril that is not typically covered by standard homeowners insurance, you can add-ons, also known as endorsements or riders, to your policy. They can buy flood insurance, water or sewer backup insurance, and other coverage that is not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Mortgage companies require flood insurance for homes in high-risk flood zones, and it is available as a separate policy. Flood insurance is, however, prudent even in areas that are not considered high-risk flood zones. This is due to the possibility of flooding caused by severe weather in any region.

A Home Warranty Is Important Too

Typically, homeowners’ insurance only covers water damage to your personal belongings and the structure itself. This means you’ll have to deal with whatever caused the water leak on your own. Your home insurance, for example, will only cover damage caused by a water heater that breaks accidentally and unexpectedly.

They will not, however, replace or repair your water heater. You will have to pay for the cost of repairing or replacing the water heater yourself. To protect yourself from such unexpected large expenses, you can purchase a home warranty, which provides additional coverage.

A home warranty is a service agreement that allows you to replace or repair certain components or systems in your home.

Are You Looking for Top-Quality Insurance Advice and Restoration Services in West Palm Beach, FL?

Look no further if you need a dependable and experienced partner to help you restore your home after it has been flooded. Titan Restoration Construction in West Palm Beach, FL will ensure that your home property is restored to its original condition as soon as possible.

In addition, our team of certified and highly experienced professionals will handle all paperwork with mortgage and insurance companies. Our job is to give you peace of mind while https://matermea.com/ivermectin/ we deal with insurance companies and get your home back in working order as soon as possible.

In addition to water damage repair and restoration services, we also offer:

• Storm damage repair, cleanup, and restoration.
• Flood damage restoration.
• Mold remediation and removal.
• Fire damage restoration.
• Remodeling.
• Commercial Restoration.

So, if you want a partner who will go above and beyond to ensure that all of your home’s restoration needs are met professionally and without the hassle of the insurance paperwork, we’ve got you covered.

Visit Titan Restoration Construction in West Palm Beach, FL for more information on home insurance for water leaks. You can also request an estimate by calling 561-462-4983 today.