Water damage

Water damage refers to physical harm or destruction caused when water intrudes where it shouldn’t, such as from burst pipes or roof leaks. Insurance policies typically cover sudden and accidental water damage events, like washing machine hose breaks or ruptured water heaters.

Insurers usually exclude gradual water damage resulting from unresolved maintenance issues, including slow pipe leaks or seepage through walls, according to a report from YourInsurance.info. Claims adjusters require documentation such as dated photos and repair bills to validate a covered water damage loss.

Insurance providers frequently deny claims involving groundwater intrusion, including flooding from heavy rain seeping through foundations. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cap mold remediation coverage arising from water damage at $5,000 or less per incident.

Water backup endorsements extend coverage to sewer and sump pump overflows but require added premiums on standard homeowners’ policies. Water damage restoration companies extract standing water with industrial equipment to mitigate structural and mold risks following incidents.

Residents in flood-prone areas must purchase separate flood insurance since standard homeowners’ policies specifically exclude flood-related damages. Industry data shows that 23% of all U.S.

Homeowners’ insurance claims between 2017–2021 resulted from non-weather-related water damage, demonstrating its commonality and financial impact.