There are various types of home insurance policies, so you need to compare providers and truly understand the different types of policies before making a choice. Your top priority is ensuring accidents or situations of most importance to you and your family are covered, such as water leaks or broken pipes. Continue reading to learn if incidents like water damage can be claimed on your home insurance and what options you have.
Types of Water Damage
Most insurance providers generally cover damage that occurs accidentally inside the home. This includes leaking pipes and issues caused by weather conditions like snowstorms. If your roof is leaking, the problems are generally covered, but the roof itself isn’t. Backups in bathtubs, appliances, sinks, and toilets are accidental overflows most insurance providers will cover. You could also file a claim for water damage caused by vandalism. To be sure, it’s best to go over your policy and understand what your options are.
Mold
In addition to leaks and other damage, water could lead to more significant issues in the home, such as mold on walls and ceilings. Most insurance policies will cover mold, even if it’s caused by water damage. For example, your pipes could burst and lead to severe problems in the home, such as disrupting the HVAC system. In this situation, the water could cause mold growth after the overflow has dried up. In time, the mold problem could worsen, put your family’s health at risk, and cause severe damage to your HVAC system or other home appliances. Speak with your insurance provider to learn if mold removal is covered. The accepted method for mold remediation is typically listed in the policy agreement, so always check before choosing a policy.
Importance of Contacting Your Provider Immediately
Don’t waste valuable time when it comes to filing a water damage claim with your insurance company. By contacting your provider immediately, you can receive the assistance necessary to prevent the issue from worsening and leading to more significant or costly damage. Always take pictures of the home before filing a claim so representatives can look at the affected area and get better insight into what’s covered and what isn’t. These photos can make it easier for an adjuster to understand what the room looked like before the water damage.
Prevention Tips
Not all water damage is covered, so it’s important to develop a prevention plan. For instance, if maintenance problems could lead to water damage and you ignore those issues, your provider will typically deny the claim. Damage from a flood can also be rejected unless you purchase a policy that explicitly lists this type of coverage. One way to prevent water damage is to make sure all fixtures, pipes, and appliances, such as showers, washing machines, and dishwashers, are well maintained and repaired or replaced correctly. It would also be a good idea to install water leak sensors.
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, and Chula Vista car insurance. Homeowners can learn more about our high-quality personal service by calling us today at (800) 719-9972.