Water flowing into your house can do disastrous damage to your property. This water could come from a broken pipe, an overflowing bathtub, a backed-up sewer, or a heavy rainstorm. No matter where it comes from, the water damage can be severe.
You might think that this is exactly the sort of thing your insurance is for, and you’d be right. However, it’s important to understand that, from the standpoint of your insurance company, not all water damage is the same. Some water damage is just water damage, but some is flood damage. When it comes to your insurance, this makes all the difference. Your insurance policy is likely to cover water damage but not flood damage, unless you have specific flood insurance.
Understanding What Is Water Damage vs. Flood Damage
First, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what separates water damage and flood damage. In a literal sense, these are both types of damage caused by water, and may include:
- Damaged drywall
- Water-saturated electronics
- Wet clothes
- Soaked furniture
- Wet books and papers
These are examples, and not an exhaustive list. Water is destructive, and can damage almost anything it touches, especially if it becomes completely immersed or remains in contact with water for prolonged periods of time.
Insurance makes a distinction between water damage and flood damage because of where the water comes from. In general, flood damage is caused by water that flows into your house from the ground. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Rainwater and storm runoff
- Spring meltwater
- Rising groundwater
- Rivers and streams overflowing their banks
- Water from a broken dam
- High tide
- Unusual waves, including tsunami
- Storm surge
Water damage from these water sources is likely not covered if you don’t have specific flood insurance.
Examples of Water Damage Likely Covered by General Insurance
The best way to understand what types of damage are likely to be covered by insurance is to look at a few examples. Here are some examples of water damage that your homeowners, business owners, or even renters insurance might cover.
Burst Pipe
One common source of water damage that your insurance is likely to cover is a burst pipe. The burst pipe might come as a result of freezing weather, worn connections, rust, or a sudden impact. Although there are many potential causes, insurance typically considers these equally covered.
Although this type of damage is typically covered, there are two situations in which the damage might not be covered. First, if the burst pipe was due to a repair or modification by an unqualified individual, such as the property owner or an unlicensed handyman. Damage from a burst pipe might also not be covered if signs of a damaged or leaky pipe were ignored or missed because of a lack of diligence.
Leaking Appliance
Appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators can also leak because of several possible problems. There could be a broken pipe or loose connection to the pipes. The appliance might have a faulty seal. Or it could have a malfunctioning part that causes the leak. For example, a dishwasher might have a broken or clogged float valve, which causes it to overfill, allowing water to pour out of the door while running or when opened.
As with a burst pipe, though, there are some situations where water damage related to an appliance might not be covered. Improper installation by an unlicensed professional, such as the homeowner or unqualified handyman, might negate any claim. Similarly, if the appliance was overflowing because basic maintenance was neglected, insurance might refuse coverage. Finally, if the leak occurred over a long period of time but the homeowner or occupant didn’t notice, then insurance might refuse coverage.
Rainwater Entering Through Broken Window or Roof
Storm damage often comes from a combination of strong winds and heavy rain, especially in a hurricane. In these situations, it’s possible for the wind to blow down a branch or even an entire tree that can smash through the roof or window. This could then allow water to pour into the house through the break.
Sometimes people will say that all natural water sources are considered flood damage, but in this case, damage caused by water entering the house would likely be covered. However, there are some situations in which this might not be covered. If, for example, your insurance company told you that the tree or overhanging branch was a danger and should be removed, they might refuse coverage if it later causes damage. Likewise, if you were told to install protective equipment such as storm shutters and failed to do so, the damage might not be covered.
Examples of Flood Damage Only Covered by Flood Insurance
On the other hand, here are some types of water damage that might only be covered by flood insurance.
Heavy Rainstorm Floods Window Well
What if your area experiences a sudden, heavy rainstorm? If the weather has been dry, the ground might be packed hard and resist infiltration by water. The water might flow along the ground and accumulate in your window well, then seep around the basement window or even cause the window to break inward.
This type of damage would likely be considered flood damage and not covered by regular insurance.
Overflowing Pond Leads to Water in Ground Floor
Another example of flooding that wouldn’t be covered is if your home is near a drainage or collection pond that swells so much during a rainstorm that it overflows its banks, leading to several inches of standing water in your house. This would also be considered flood damage, and your regular insurance wouldn’t cover it.
Get Help with Insurance Claims for Water Damage in your area
If your home or business has sustained significant water damage, you will need to have it repaired, whether insurance will pay or not. your local FLEET company has been the leading water damage restoration company in your area since 1954, and we have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies.
We offer 24/7 emergency response water damage restoration services throughout your area. No matter when you experienced water damage, our restoration professionals can be out quickly to start work immediately. We can handle the entire process, from an initial inspection and board-up service if necessary to the perfect finishing touches.
We can also help you deal with your insurance company. We work with insurance all the time, and we know how to read policies and understand what adjusters are saying about your coverage. We also know what documentation insurance companies need to determine a claim, and we can provide complete documentation of the damage and all repairs so that you can get as much compensation as possible based on your coverage. Detailed documentation can be especially important in situations where you might have some covered water damage and some flood damage that isn’t covered.
To learn how we can help you restore your water-damaged home or business and deal with your insurance claims, please contact your local FLEET company today at 844-967-4911.