Does Homeowners Insurance Pay For Water Damage Restoration Services?

Water damage usually stems from damaged pipes, roof leaks, flooding, and storms. If not addressed, it can ultimately lead to structural damage, leaving you with hefty repair costs and ruining the value of your home.

With a water restoration damage service, it is possible to bring your home back to its normal state. You can also use your homeowner's insurance to pay for this service to address various types of water damage.

Water Damage Types that Homeowners Insurance Covers

Homeowners' insurance covers water damage that is accidental or sudden such as accidental leaks. It does not work with gradual water damage caused by flooding and leaking sinks.

Your homeowners' insurance can pay for water damage restoration services to remedy accidental leaks and burst pipes. The policy can also help you pay for water damage from a fire, roof leak, heavy rain, or ice build-up in the gutter.

Types of Water Damage that Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover

You cannot use your standard homeowners' insurance policy to pay for water damage restoration after a flooding incident. 

Flood water may come from overflowing rivers, heavy rain, storm surges, tsunamis, and hurricanes. You can remedy these problems with a flood insurance policy.

Other types of water damage not covered by homeowners' insurance include water damage from mudslides, landslides, or earthquakes. The same applies to water damage from leaks, negligent actions, seepage through a foundation, and sump pump failure.

How to Get Your Homeowners' Insurance Policy to Pay for Water Damage

You should contact your homeowners' insurance provider as soon as you spot any signs of water damage on your property. The insurer will ask you to share pictures of the damaged area as part of the claims process. To support your claim, you can also share the pictures (if you have any) of the affected area before the incident occurred.

Expect the insurance company to ask you more about the claim to decide whether your homeowners' insurance policy covers it. They will also send an adjuster to your place to assess the water damage. So, if you intend to do any urgent repairs before the insurance adjuster visits your property, take photos of the damaged area and keep receipts of any items you bought or services you sought.

You can bring a water damage restoration expert on board to assess the water damage and give a price quote for the repairs. The price quote can help you negotiate with your insurance company about a reasonable settlement amount.

Contact a service provider to learn more about water damage restoration.