Water damage can cause significant disruptions in your home. Whether it’s from burst pipes, a leaking roof, or flooding, water damage often leads to costly repairs. When it happens, many homeowners rely on their homeowners insurance policies to help with the expenses. However, homeowners don’t always fully understand the details of their coverage. This can lead to confusion or even claim denials.

In this blog post, we will explain whether homeowners insurance covers water damage, what the typical policy limits are, and how you can navigate the claims process effectively. If you live in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Maryland, A H Neaman Company can help. As experienced public adjusters, we ensure homeowners get the compensation they deserve.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage, but it depends on the cause. Homeowners insurance typically covers sudden, unexpected damage. However, the damage caused by gradual leaks or poor maintenance is usually not included. Here are examples of what your policy may cover and what it likely won’t:

Covered Water Damage:

• Burst pipes: If a pipe bursts unexpectedly, homeowners insurance often covers the resulting water damage.
• Roof leaks: If heavy rain causes a roof leak, your insurance may help with repairs.
• Appliance malfunction: Water damage caused by a malfunctioning appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher, may also be covered.

Excluded Water Damage:

• Flooding: Homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, you will need a separate flood insurance policy.
• Seepage or gradual leaks: Damage caused by long-term, slow leaks (such as from a pipe that has been leaking for months) is often excluded.
• Mold: Mold damage is generally not covered by homeowners insurance unless it’s a direct result of a covered event, like a burst pipe.
• Sewer backups: Damage from sewer backups is also usually excluded, although some policies offer optional coverage for sewer backups.

It’s crucial to understand exactly what your homeowners insurance covers. If you’re unsure about your coverage, reviewing your policy with a public adjuster can help clarify the terms.

What Are the Limits of Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage?

Even if your homeowners insurance covers water damage, the amount your insurer will pay for repairs or replacements depends on your policy’s limits. The coverage limits are the maximum amounts your insurance company will pay for a claim. These limits can vary based on the policy type and the specific damage involved.

Dwelling Coverage: This covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it’s damaged by water. For example, if a burst pipe ruins your drywall, the dwelling coverage would help pay for repairs. The limit for dwelling coverage is usually based on the replacement cost of your home.

Personal Property Coverage: This covers your personal belongings that get damaged by water, such as furniture, electronics, or clothing. Personal property coverage is often a separate limit and may be less than the dwelling coverage limit.

Policy Deductibles: Homeowners insurance policies usually have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company begins to pay for the damage. Deductibles can vary widely and can impact your claim amount.

Some policies also have sub-limits for specific water-related damage, such as mold or sewer backup. It’s important to review your policy carefully to understand what’s covered and how much compensation you can expect.

Is Flood Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Flood damage is one of the most common causes of water damage, but it’s usually not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you will need a separate flood insurance policy to protect your property.

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. This type of insurance typically covers damage caused by rising waters, such as from heavy rains, storm surges, or melting snow. Flood insurance covers both the structure of your home and your personal property. However, it’s important to note that flood insurance policies have their own limits, which are often different from those in homeowners insurance policies.

In flood-prone areas, it’s essential to add flood coverage to your policy. Your mortgage lender may even require it if your property is in a designated flood zone.

How to File a Water Damage Claim

If you experience water damage and believe it’s covered by your homeowners insurance, you need to file a claim. The claims process can be overwhelming, so it’s important to understand what to expect. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

• Document the damage: Take clear, detailed photos and videos of all affected areas. Include both structural damage and personal property damage.
• Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurer as soon as possible. The sooner you report the damage, the sooner the claims process can begin.
• Schedule an adjuster’s visit: The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. Make sure to show the adjuster all affected areas and provide all necessary documentation.
• Get repair estimates: For significant damage, you may need to get repair estimates from contractors. This helps ensure that your insurance payout will cover the repairs.
• Review the offer: After the adjuster’s assessment, the insurance company will send you a settlement offer. If the offer is too low, you have the right to negotiate.

Hiring a public adjuster can make the process smoother. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. We help document the damage, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure you receive the maximum payout.

How A H Neaman Company Can Help

Dealing with water damage and filing a claim can be overwhelming. As a public adjuster, A H Neaman Company assists homeowners in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland to navigate the claims process. We ensure that you understand your coverage and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Our team of experts will help you document the damage, review your insurance policy, and negotiate with your insurer to make sure you get a fair settlement. If the insurance company offers a low payout, we’ll work to increase the settlement amount.

Final Thoughts

Water damage can happen unexpectedly, and understanding your homeowners insurance policy is key to ensuring you get the protection you need. While homeowners insurance may cover certain types of water damage, it’s essential to understand the policy’s limits and exclusions.

If you’re dealing with water damage in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Maryland, A H Neaman Company can help. Our experienced public adjusters will guide you through the claims process, ensure your claim is properly documented, and negotiate with your insurer to secure the best possible settlement. Call us today for assistance.