Water damage affects residences in numerous ways, including damage from sewer or water line backups, severe storms, overflowing showers and tubs, burst pipes, and rainwater via leaky roofs. Whether water damage is covered by your homeowners insurance policy depends mainly on the type of destruction. Here’s what you need to know to determine if more coverage is warranted. 

Your Guide to Homeowners Insurance & Water Damage

Gradual vs. Sudden Damage

Gradual water damage coverage is usually denied by insurance companies because it has occurred over an extended period, such as a slow plumbing leak eventually creating stains on ceilings and walls, or deteriorating roof shingles resulting in rainwater leaks. Homeowners insurance covers “sudden and accidental” damage, such as a tree falling on a roof and creating a significant hole for rainwater entry.

Amending your current insurance policy to cover certain types of gradual damage is possible; however, it varies by state. Mold infestation is one common type of gradual damage some homeowners purchase coverage for.

The Damage Source

Most insurance companies do not cover the source of the water damage, such as a faulty dishwasher that leaked all over your kitchen and living room. This means they won’t pay for a dishwasher replacement, but they will cover costs related to the damage, such as replacing your flooring. Remember, while damage from a sudden, severe dishwasher leak will be covered by your insurance policy, it is unlikely the resulting destruction will be paid for if the appliance has experienced problems for a long time. This is referred to as “unresolved maintenance.”

Flood Damage

No type of flooding havoc, whether from a storm, flooded body of water, or saturated ground, is covered by a standard insurance policy. Separate flood insurance is the only way your insurance company will pay for restoration services. This insurance comes from the National Flood Insurance Program and is generally available through insurance companies. If your agency does not offer this type of insurance, call the National Flood Insurance Program’s Help Center at 1-800-427-4661 for a referral.

You have the right to choose the restoration company you want to work with, even if your choice differs from your insurance company’s. Arkansas Restoration Services is known for providing detail-driven, complete water damage restoration and mold remediation to help you maintain a clean, healthy home. The family-owned restoration company has served Pope, Yell, Conway, and Johnson counties for over 30 years. Call (479) 967-2018 to schedule an appointment or visit the website for a complete service list. Like the company on Facebook for the latest home tips.