Water Damage Claims: What You Need To Know

Water damage is the most common type of insurance claim in the US. In fact, as the percentage of other types of claims decrease, water damage claims are steadily increasing. This is the reason why as a homeowner, you need to know what coverage you have when it comes to water damage. Keep in mind that being knowledgeable about the types of damage and situations that are covered is part of your responsibility.

Take a look at some useful information when it comes to water damages and its coverage.

Is Water Damage Covered in Home Insurance?

In general, the answer to this question depends on the cause of the damage and the kind of policy you have. Your policy should specify if you have accidental, gradual or sudden water damage coverage. In most cases, gradual damage is not covered by insurers and is one of the top claims that end up being denied.

What is Gradual Water Damage?

This is when the water damage to your home happens over a long period of time. Your house is full of pipes and water systems and is prone to have some sort of leak somewhere. According to insurers, it’s up to the homeowner to make sure that their home is properly maintained to identify small issues. Without regular maintenance, you might fall victim to gradual water damage and never know about it. This is why if the water damage is not sudden or accidental, your insurance is less likely to cover it.

When is Gradual Water Damage Covered?

There are some exemptions to the coverage for gradual water damages. Here are some examples.

Mold-Related Water Damage

There are insurers that allow you to buy extra coverage for mold-related damage. This differs from state to state so you have to ask your insurance agent about it. Mold coverage usually costs you a few bucks on top of your existing policy.

Gradual Damage due to Broken Pipes

A broken tank or pipe can cause damage in the long run without you knowing it. For example, if your washing machine suddenly breaks down, the appliance will not be replaced but the damage may be covered. This all depends on your policy. You have to check the wordings on your policy to make sure that you understand your coverage before making a claim.

The only way to really feel well-protected is to choose an insurance company that always has your back. At Insurance Services of the West, LLC, we take pride in making sure our clients are well-protected at prices they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you please contact our agency at (425) 681-0996 or Click Here to request a free quote.