Water damage is the second most common type of claim filed by homeowners insurance policyholders. Luckily, water damage that originates inside your home and is the result of a sudden, accidental covered event such as a burst pipe, a malfunctioning appliance, or a leaking roof affected by a storm is often covered.
If you have to file a claim due to water damage to your property, it’s important to understand what your policy covers and take immediate action to prevent further damage.
5 steps to file a claim for water damage
Time is of the essence when dealing with a water damage situation. According to FEMA, mold and mildew may develop 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Acting promptly to contain the damage to your property helps ensure that you’ll get the support you need from your insurer.
1. Determine and stop the source of the water damage
The first thing you need to do is identify the source of the leak or the flow of water and try to contain it.
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Inspect the areas close to the damage, such as the roof, appliances, or plumbing fixtures.
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If you can, shut off the water supply valve to keep more water from flowing or leaking out – either your house’s main valve or an individual supply valve.
If you can’t find the source of the leak or shut off the water supply, contact a plumber and ask them to stop by as soon as possible.
2. Review your policy to see if it covers water damage
The next step is to review your homeowners insurance policy to see if it covers your event.
Homeowners insurance can often cover sudden accidental water damage, including water damage that originates inside your home and is caused by a covered peril. Some policies may limit or exclude coverage for water damage, so it’s important to review and understand what is – and isn’t – covered by your policy. You should consult with your agent if you aren’t sure.
Examples of events and the resulting water damage that are often covered include:
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Frozen, burst pipes.
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Roof leaks due to damage caused by storms.
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Sudden, accidental plumbing or appliance issues.
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Water damage caused by fire extinguishment.
Not all kinds of water damage are covered by a standard policy. Examples of water damage that’s not covered include:
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Floods.
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Storm surge.
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Gradual leaks.
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Sewage backup.
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Neglected repairs.
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Poor maintenance.
Additionally, there are two important caveats to keep in mind regarding standard water damage coverage:
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While certain types of water damage are covered by HO-3 policies, you likely won’t find similar coverage in “named perils” policies, such as HO-1 and HO-2.
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Flood damage is almost never covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider buying flood insurance.
3. Contact your insurance agent to file the claim
Once you’ve reviewed your insurance and determined that the source of your water damage is covered by your policy, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. You can usually find either a link or a phone number for filing claims on the company’s website, or your agent can assist with getting your claim filed.
You will likely need the following information to get started:
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Your policy number.
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A description of the damage.
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The date of the damage.
4. Take photos of the damage, including any damaged belongings
Document the extent of the damage as thoroughly as possible, taking pictures of the damaged area, any personal property that was damaged as a result of the event, and the source of the damage if you can. If you have pictures of the areas before the damage happened, consider submitting them as part of your claim as they can help to establish the scope of the damage.
Once you’ve documented the damage, your insurance company may send a restoration company. If it doesn’t, you may want to consider contacting a water damage clean-up professional on your own to have the water and moisture removed. Taking longer to address standing water and excessive moisture can cause further damage to your property and valuables.
Whatever you do, make sure to keep receipts and other documents from any clean-up or initial restoration services you pay out of pocket so you can request reimbursement from your insurer. That also goes for any costs you incur while making temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
5. Meet with your adjuster
Your insurance company may send a claims adjuster to your house to assess the water damage. The adjuster may take their own pictures and measurements, as well as ask questions to learn more about the circumstances that surrounded the event.
At this point, you may want to get a repair estimate from a contractor or a water damage restoration company. An estimate can help the adjuster evaluate your loss and may make the claims process more efficient.
How to protect your home from water damage
Water damage claims are usually denied if the insurance company determines that the damage was preventable or gradual – if, for example, the water leak that damaged your property occurred over time.
The best way to protect your home is to take preventative steps. Some ways you can minimize water damage from happening in your home include:
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Resealing your basement.
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Directing water drains away from your house.
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Installing a backwater valve.
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Inspecting appliance hoses and faucets, showers, and tubs at least once a year.
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Checking plumbing and heating pipes.
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Storing off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins.
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Keep belongings on shelves, particularly in your basement.
Additional coverages to protect your home from water damage
Not all events that can cause water damage are covered by standard homeowners insurance. You may want to add the following insurance riders to protect your home and valuables against water damage.
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Water backup & sump overflow coverage can help you pay for damage caused by backed up sewers, drains, and sump pumps.
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A service line endorsement adds coverage that helps with the cost of repairing or replacing the external water or sewer lines that run from the city line to your home.
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An equipment breakdown endorsement can pay to repair malfunctioning equipment, such as a broken sump pump or appliance.
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Mold damage remediation can add or increase the amount of coverage your homeowners policy has for mold damage.
Each insurance company can have its own way of handling water-related claims. Be sure to read your policy and speak to your agent about any questions you have regarding how water damage is covered so you’re prepared.
