You may need to add an endorsement to your policy or purchase separate coverage to protect your home from this type of damage. These events can lead to significant property damage and pose health risks. Sewage backup: Another common exclusion is damage caused by sewage or septic system backup.To protect your property from flood damage, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Flooding in Massachusetts can occur from heavy rainstorms, hurricanes, and rapid snowmelt. Flood damage: While water damage caused by burst pipes or heavy rain may be covered, damage from flooding due to natural disasters is typically excluded from standard homeowners’ policies.These issues are considered the result of normal wear and tear, and the cost of repairs falls on the homeowner. This includes damage from slow leaks, deteriorating plumbing, or seepage through your home’s foundation. Gradual damage: Insurance policies usually don’t cover damage that occurs gradually over time.For example, if you fail to repair a leaky roof - resulting in damage to your home’s interior - this may be considered negligence, and the cost of repairs will be your responsibility. Negligence: If a lack of proper maintenance or negligence on your part causes water damage, your insurance company may not cover the damages.Here are some examples of water damage that typically aren’t covered by insurance: Familiarizing yourself with these common exclusions can help you better manage and maintain your property to avoid costly repairs. While homeowners insurance covers many water damage scenarios, there are certain situations where your policy may not provide coverage. Vandalism (remember the Wet Bandits in Home Alone?).Sudden, accidental plumbing or appliance issues.Water Damage Usually Covered by Home Insurance: Flood water damage is also NOT covered (unless you have a separate policy for flood insurance in Massachusetts). a roof you haven’t repaired in 30 years). Water damage is NOT covered when it’s the result of a lack of home maintenance/neglect (e.g. In other words, you couldn’t have predicted it was going to happen. But not every kind of water damage is covered by a typical homeowner’s policy.Īs a general rule, water damage is covered by home insurance if it is sudden or accidental. What do these numbers mean? Water damage is pretty common. actually outpaced the number of losses caused by fires and hurricanes. From 2014-2016, the number of water damage claims in the U.S. In 2018, nearly one in four home insurance claims was the result of water damage. Step 2: Determine if your water damage is covered by your home insurance policy. With one small investment, you could prevent a serious claim and potentially save money via a home insurance discount. Here’s more on how to shut off water supply valves.īy the way, it’s a good idea to research water leak detection systems and automatic shutoff valves before disaster strikes. This might mean shutting off your home’s main valve (which often requires a wrench) or else an individual water supply valve, also known as a “stop.” Stops leading to your dishwasher, toilet, washing machine, or icemaker can typically be turned off (clockwise) by hand, to suspend the flow of water. If you are certain it is safe to do so, take immediate action to stop more water from flowing where it shouldn’t. Step 1: Determine the source of the water take steps to stop it from flowing. Be prepared to get canceled or non-renewed.Understand your loss settlement: ACV vs.Take photos of the damaged area and any damaged possessions.Determine if you need to leave the home.If needed, hire a professional water damage clean-up company.Call your insurance agent and report the claim.Determine if your water damage is covered by your home insurance policy.
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