INSURANCE COVERAGE
Water damage is one of the most common causes of home insurance claims. According to ISO, Water damage claims are the second largest frequent insurance claim, following wind and hail damage. The percentage of claims due to water damage is also increasing, while other causes of damage have stayed fairly consistent or even decreased. It's no wonder people have a lot of questions about water damage and what is covered under your homeowners insurance, and why things, like "gradual damage" are not covered.
There are many types of water damage that may be covered or excluded on a home policy such as:
- Sudden or Accidental Discharge
- Sewer backup or water backup
- Overflow
- Flood
- Storm related water damage
Insurance for Winter Storm or Water Damage
Fortunately, many homeowners are insured and can make a claim if they sustain damage from a winter storm, spring thaw or cold snap. Depending on the type of policy you have, several types of risks and damage arising from the weather, heavy snowfall, thaws or cold snaps that may be covered and you may be able to get help and compensation for losses from your insurance company.
Weather-Related Damage Covered by Insurance
The most common causes of a winter storm or weather damage include:
- Hail Damage
- Roof Damage
- Water Damage
- Sewer Backup
- Freezing Pipes
- Fallen Trees
(There are many reasons a tree might fall, and whether or not it caused damage to property becomes important for the purpose of paying a claim)
Different policies offer different types of coverage.
- Ice dams forming on the roof
- Weight of snow and ice on the roof causing damage
- Wind damage (which can include fallen trees and shingles or bricks flying off buildings and roofs)
- Loss or displacement due to power failure (which may include food loss, depending on your type of policy)
- Flooding due to melting snow, a sudden thaw, or excessive rainfall
- Water infiltration into the home. This may or may not be covered depending on how the damage is happening.
Always call to find out what you might be eligible for.
Common Questions:
What Water Damage Is Covered by Home Insurance?
There are some common questions people ask about what their home, condo or renter insurance covers, for water damage, here are a few of the most common questions:
- Is a water leak covered by home insurance?
- Is a leaking toilet covered by insurance?
- Is water damage from a leaking roof covered by insurance?
The answer to whether these are covered or not depend on the source of the damage, the type of policy you have and if the water damage is accidental and sudden or gradual.
What Are Examples of Gradual Damage?
Some of the most common examples of gradual damage causing losses or denied claims are:
- Plumbing, faucets or pipes leaking over time causing damage to the walls, ceilings or floors .
- Water damage caused by seepage coming in from cracks in the foundation, or at the exterior of the house allowing water to enter your home.
- Flashing, tiles, shingles or deteriorating parts on the roof that indicated signs of needed repair.
- Mold, rot or corrosion
- Deteriorating electrical wiring
- Poor repairs or lack of repairs to home