Insurance

Few things are more unpleasant than waking up to a flooded basement following a fault in the water heater. Subsequently, water damage is among the most significant reasons for home insurance claims. In fact, only wind and hail damage outrank water damage as the most common insurance claims. Each year, 1 in 50 insured homes files for a claim on the grounds of water damage.

Water can cause massive property damage—worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To a large extent, it causes damage to furniture, electronics, household appliances, and plumbing equipment. Besides that, water damage also increases the likelihood of mold growth that is relatively expensive to remediate.

Homeowners often ask if their insurance will cover water damage. Here we explain examples of water damage, ways to prevent it, and how your insurance can help.

Water damage refers to any harm on a property caused by water. The common types of water damage include:

• Plumbing supply system failures
• Sudden/accidental discharge
• Floods
• Storm-related water damage
• Sewer backup and overflow
• Drain system failures
• Gradual water damage such as a pipe leaking for a long time

Even though your insurance may cover water damage, there are ways to protect your home from damaging situations.  Here are some tips:

• Conduct frequent maintenance on your home. For example, fix a leaky pipe before mold grows.
• Inspect hoses going to and from appliances like washing machines, water heaters, and dishwashers
• Turn off supply lines when appliances like washing machines and dishwashers are not in use
• Look out for potential leaks
• Keep water supply lines clear and open
• Have a plumber inspect your home every five years
• Drain water heaters at least twice every year to tackle sediment buildup
• Keep pipes insulated during cold seasons to prevent frozen and burst pipes

There’s no categorical answer to this question. However, the discourse depends on the source of damage, the type of policy you have, and whether the water damage is accidental/sudden or gradual. Among the common types of water damage a standard insurance covers include:

• Plumbing; burst pipes, frozen plumbing, accidental overflow
• Water heater rupture
• Vandalism
• Rain and snowstorm
• Accidental overflow of an appliance like a washing machine, toilet, and dishwasher
• Water damage arising from extinguishing a fire

In short, most insurance policies cover water damage that is sudden, accidental, and unexpected. Conversely, policies generally don’t cover progressive water damage caused by negligence and lack of maintenance. Gradual water damage occurs slowly over time resulting in significant damage to your property. Examples of gradual water damage that insurance doesn’t cover will include:

• Pipes and faucets leaking and causing damage to walls, ceiling, and floors
• Water damage emanating from seepage coming from cracks in the foundation
• Deteriorating parts of the roof, such as tiles and shingles which indicate that your roof needs repair
• Negligence/failure to conduct appropriate repairs to your home. For instance, a leaky toilet causing damage.
• Corrosion or mold. (Note: insurance covers mold removal if it is a result of water damage related to a common peril)
• Overall homeowner negligence
• Flood damage. You require a separate policy to cover flood damage.

Ultimately, the aftermath of water damage can be strenuous, and you may not always be aware of where to start. Twin Home Experts offers you expert assistance and restoration services for both homes and businesses. Our water damage services include:

• Sewer water cleanup
• Mold remediation
• Leak detection
• Drain overflow cleanup
• Odor removal
• Water restoration services

With Twin Home Experts, you are guaranteed quality workmanship and customer service that will surely exceed your expectations. We have been serving homeowners for nearly four decades. Contact us today and see why thousands of people choose us!