Does Home Insurance Cover Water Leaks?

Does home insurance cover water leaks?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover water damage if it’s the result of sudden, accidental damage. Water damage resulting from events like floods and oceanic surges may be covered under optional add-ons.

Regardless of the source, your insurance company isn’t likely to cover water damage that occurs or worsens as a result of neglect, lack of maintenance, or gradual, ongoing leakage. So don’t put off patching that hole in the roof or checking the plumbing—it could save you a costly insurance denial down the line!

How do I know if a leak is covered?

The best way to verify what’s covered by your home insurance policy (and what’s not) is to check your documents. If you have an electronic copy, pressing CTRL + F to highlight every instance of the word “water” is a good start.

Calling your insurer may be necessary to verify coverage and clarify any areas of confusion. Note that if you have renters insurance, your policy won’t contain dwelling coverage because you don’t own the building.

What types of water damage are covered?

The standard home, condo, or tenant insurance policy covers most types of sudden, accidental water damage relating to structures or appliances within the home. Most insurance providers offer three optional endorsements—overland flooding, sewer backup, or groundwater seepage—that guard against additional types of water damage.

Here’s a quick reference guide showing which sources of water damage may be covered by your home, renters, or condo insurance policy, and which ones probably require additional coverage:

How do you file a water damage insurance claim?

Time is one of the most important factors in mitigating water damage and filing a successful claim, so we’ll make this guide short and sweet. Here are five steps to making a water damage claim:

1. Send a notification within 24 hours. Call your insurance company, landlord, condo association, and/or property manager to let them know what you’ve found and get advice and assistance.
2. Document the leak. Snap a few photos to show the site of the water damage as you found it, using several different angles.
3. Mitigate the water damage. If the leak is coming from a pipe or appliance, shut off its water supply. Otherwise, call a plumber or contractor and move furniture and floor coverings out of the area to dry outside. Spread towels, bedding, and other absorbent materials on the ground to get rid of standing water, and speed the process using fans and dehumidifiers. 
4. Catalog the water damage. Take detailed photos of every room where you found standing water and every piece of furniture and possession that got wet. Write notes as you go and record any discoloration, warping, or other effects of water damage as you find them.
5. Submit your claim. Include everything you recorded about the site and the water damage, as well as the steps you took to mitigate it. 

Remember, sudden, accidental leaks are generally covered, whereas slow, chronic ones aren’t. It’s a good idea to include home maintenance records and supporting receipts (if any) in your claim to show that you did your due diligence in preventing a leak.

How do you prevent water leaks?

Not every source of water can be prevented from entering your home, but regular maintenance can eliminate the most common causes. Here are a few tips for maintaining a watertight home:
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• Automate detection and prevention. Ask a professional to install an anti-backflow valve, backwater valve, sump pump, or backup sump pump connected to a backup power source. You can install an automatic water shutoff device and water detection sensors yourself around your basement and near appliances that are prone to leakage.
• Conduct a yearly inspection. Examine appliances for worn hoses or loose connections; toilets, showers, and bathtubs for cracked seals; and walls, floors, windows, foundations, and basement walls for cracks. Clean and/or replace any pipes or faucets that show buildup or corrosion.
• Consider landscaping. Ensure the ground around the home slopes away from the foundation, or install a catch basin or rain garden to soak up the extra water.
• Direct the water. Clean roofs, eavestroughs, gutters, and downspouts of leaves and debris at least once a year and check for cracks. All downspouts should point rainfall at least 6 feet away from the home.
• Keep the drains clear. Install drain catchers to prevent hair and other debris from entering the pipes; don’t pour grease down the sink, and flush nothing but waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Don’t cover floor drains in the basement or catch basins in driveways, balconies, and porches.
• Prepare for vacation. Before leaving your home for an extended period of time, cut off the water supply to major appliances (or even the main water supply) and set the thermostat so the pipes don’t freeze. Your insurance documents may outline the preventative steps you should take and the maximum amount of time you can leave your house unoccupied.
• Service your water infrastructure. Place drain pans below sinks, dishwashers, water heaters, HVACs, sprinkler systems, and air conditioning units. Inspect them at least once a year and service your septic system as necessary. 

FAQ: Does home insurance cover water leaks?

This article is for general information only and is not insurance or legal advice. Examples and any sample quotes or rate ranges are illustrative and do not constitute an offer or guarantee of coverage, price, or eligibility. Actual coverage, discounts, and premiums depend on your individual circumstances and the insurer provider; if there is any discrepancy, your policy and insurer documentation govern. For advice about your situation, speak with one of our licensed insurance professionals.