How Homeowner's Insurance Covers Water Damage

A slow leak that causes water damage usually does not have coverage. That is because, usually, these events are preventable and avoidable. Homeowners policies usually only apply to damage that you could not have foreseen or prevented. You generally have ample time to notice a leak and repair it before it can cause significant damage.  

In most cases, you cannot prevent a burst pipe in the house. Therefore, your homeowners policy is likely to cover the damage. Your policy might not cover damage to specific items caught in the water flow. However, it can still apply to a variety of the losses.  

Storms might damage your home, and in certain cases water damage will have coverage. So, for example, if a tree falls through your roof and causes damage, then water might enter the home. Your homeowners policy might pay for both the tree removal and the water cleanup.  

One type of storm damage that a homeowners policy won’t cover is a flood. Flash floods, sudden storms, storm surge and similar events could occur in almost any home. However, most standard property policies never insure floods. Therefore, property owners will need to invest in a specific flood insurance policy. They will offer the coverage you need for your structure and possessions through a specialized pool called the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

If your home ever sustains water damage, call your homeowners insurance provider. Your agent can tell you what portions of the damage that your policy will cover. They can then appraise the damage and help you settle the costs appropriately.