Water damage can seriously impact your home and personal property. Having the right homeowners insurance can help you recover from some – if not all – of the damage caused by certain water damage issues. However, there are certain types of water damage that insurance won’t cover at all.
Understanding coverages is important when dealing with water damage in Charlotte. Keep reading to learn more about what type of water damage is covered by home homeowners insurance and how to manage water damage after disaster strikes.
Standard water damage coverage
Most homeowners insurance policies, regardless of where you are insured, cover some types of water damage. An important aspect of this coverage is that the damage must be sudden, accidental, and caused by a covered peril listed under the policy. Covered perils primarily include damage caused by rain or snow – but not by flood.
Some structural issues, like a burst pipe or a failing appliance, are typically covered, as well. However, if an insurance inspection proves that these issues were caused by poor upkeep, maintenance, or neglect on your part, they will deny your claim. If the issue has been ongoing and plainly seen, like a dilapidated roof or rusted pipes, the insurance company will most likely not cover the water damage even if you have coverage in place.
Breakdown of common coverages
If you have experienced water damage in your home, use this easy guide to find out if your home is covered.
Weather-related damage: Water damage from rain, snow, ice, sleet, or hail is typically covered. The damage has to be linked to one of these events, with no other proof of poor neglect or upkeep on your part.
Flooding: Unfortunately, flooding that originates outside the home is not a named peril under home insurance policies. Spring thaws, seepage from groundwater, or flooding from heavy rain storms can be covered separately under a flood policy, however.
Appliance breakdown: Some appliance breakdowns can have disastrous results. Luckily, most standard home insurance policies cover water damage caused by overflow from water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and more. These appliances can wreak massive amounts of damage on your kitchen or other rooms in your home. A home insurance policy will help cover the damage of personal items impacted by appliance breakdown and malfunction.
Frozen or burst pipes: While a home insurance policy won’t cover water damage that occured over time from a leaky pipe, it will cover damage caused suddenly. Once again, you’ll need to prove that the leak wasn’t caused by neglect or the damage won’t be covered. Frozen pipes are occasionally covered, as well, though only if your home is heated and occupied.
There’s a lot of stress and hassle when it comes to cleaning up your home after water damage. Luckily, you don’t have to manage water damage alone. Contact Remedics Restoration for assistance on water damage and emergency clean up options.
