Is a Slow Leak Covered by My Homeowners Insurance?

Slow water leaks are known for causing some of the worst damage in a home. Many small leaks begin behind walls or under floors where you might not notice there’s a problem until it’s too late to save the building materials. Homeowners insurance is designed to provide financial assistance that helps you handle catastrophic damage. However, your policy may not cover damage that occurs due to normal wear and tear on your property. Figuring out when slow leaks are covered helps you work with your insurance company to make sure you have the type of coverage that’s appropriate for the age and general condition of your house.

Expect Coverage for Sudden Severe Leaks

One of the easiest ways to understand if something is covered by a general homeowners insurance National City policy is to think about how the incident happened. A typical policy is set up to cover sudden catastrophic events the homeowner shouldn’t reasonably be able to foresee. For instance, you might not be able to predict a pipe will suddenly burst and spew water all over the kitchen. In this case, you might be able to get help from your insurance company. However, you might be able to predict an upcoming problem if an aging water heater springs a leak after not being inspected or maintained for years. In this case, the insurance company might claim you’re responsible for the damage.

Ask about Hidden Water Leak Coverage

Some homeowners have more serious concerns about water leaks than others. For example, you might know that because your home is older, there’s a strong possibility of water damage even when you keep up with routine maintenance. Or you might have dealt with this type of issue before and you’re willing to pay a little more to know you have financial coverage for water leaks in the future. Many insurance companies offer special add-ons to policies you can purchase for extra reassurance that everything is covered.

Be Proactive about Preventing Water Leaks

Since your insurance policy is more likely to cover damage that doesn’t come from preventable causes, it’s worth doing what you can to prevent water leaks. Many slow water leaks come from faulty HVAC systems. Arranging for seasonal inspections helps you catch things such as a clogged drip pan before they create problems. The same is also true of any major appliances in your home. Dishwashers and washing machines can often have slow leaks hidden behind them or inside the walls.

Know When and How to File a Claim

Read through any new insurance policy or talk to your agent to make sure you understand exactly when water damage from a leak is covered. Then keep careful records of when you do any inspections, repairs, or maintenance on the different parts of your house. If you do find damage from a leak in your house, reach out to your insurance company to find out if you should make a claim. Sending photos and providing documentation of your investment in the upkeep of your house can help the claim process move faster. 

Make sure to check with your insurance agent so you know exactly what’s covered in the event of water damage to your home. If you need reliable, affordable homeowners insurance, call on the experienced, trustworthy professionals at Altra Insurance Services. We can also provide you with renters, commercial, auto & car insurance National City . Residents homeowners can learn more about our high-quality personal service by calling us today at (800) 719-9972.