There are several types of water damage that are excluded, or limited, in home insurance coverage. Understanding what your policy does not cover is crucial in preparing your home during hurricane season. Here are the most common water damage exclusions:
- FLOOD DAMAGE
Flooding caused by natural disasters (i.e., heavy rains, overflowing rivers, storm surges) is not covered under standard homeowners’ insurance. Homeowners need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
- CONTENTS WITHIN THE HOME
Contents lost within the home as a result of flood damage after a natural disaster are not covered by insurance policies and require an additional endorsement to your policy. Allstate Insurance has this helpful article “What is Contents Insurance?” and Progressive Insurance shares “What is Personal Property Insurance?”
- SEWER OR DRAIN BACKUP
Damage resulting from a sewer or drain backup is usually excluded unless you have an add-on endorsement. This type of endorsement can be added to most policies, provided coverage in the event that a clogged drain or backed-up sewer causes flooding in your home.
- GRADUAL WATER DAMAGE
Water damage that occurs gradually over time due to maintenance issues or wear & tear are not covered. These are typically a maintenance issue, not a sudden incident.
- Leaky Pipes
- Roof leaks
- Mold and Rot
- WATER DAMAGE DURING CONSTRUCTION
If you are doing a home renovation or major construction and water damage occurs as a result of the work, standard homeowners’ insurance may not cover it. You may need a builder’s risk policy to cover damage that occurs while your home is under construction. Forbes has an informative article, “Builder’s Risk Insurance: Coverage & Costs.”
- WATER SEEPAGE THROUGH FOUNDATIONS
Water that seeps into your home through cracks in the foundation or basement walls is typically not covered. This type of damage is often caused by groundwater accumulation or poor drainage around the home, and is considered a maintenance issue.
Property damage? At Rapid Remediation, our technicians are IICRC certified and participate in continuing education to stay abreast of any new industry standards and procedures. We are licensed, insured and a 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE. Contact us 24/7 at: 832-349-8054.
