Water can cause a lot of damage to your home. Whether it’s a flood, sewer backup, or a burst pipe, it can cause quite a bit of destruction.
Luckily, insurance companies will pay for most of the unexpected water damage that occurred in your home. Still, if you want to make sure your claim is successful, there are a few things you should be mindful of. Here’s what you can do if you’re wondering how to get insurance to pay for water damage restoration:
How to Get Homeowners Insurance to Pay for Water Damage
Home insurance usually covers any water damage caused by a sudden event. Cases such as accidental wall cracks, heating or abrupt AC water damage, and similar issues are covered by insurance. Here’s when you can get insurance to pay for water damage in your home:
- plumbing accidents, such as frozen or faulty plumbing and burst pipes
- water damage from a fire extinguisher
- vandalism
- water damage caused by a storm or heavy rain
- damage caused by a roof leak
- *water damage resulting in mold
Here are some of the most common questions about water insurance coverage:
What Is Groundwater Insurance Coverage?
Groundwater or overland water coverage is optional coverage you can purchase with your insurance plan. It offers insurance in the event of water from outside entering your home, flooding your basement in the process, for example. Groundwater coverage is not mandatory and you will need to pay extra for it, however, we highly suggest investing in it.
Does Insurance Have to Pay for Damage Caused by a Water Leak?
Essentially, if the water leak is sudden, insurance will cover for the damage. However, if the leak is a result of poor upkeep, that won’t be the case. Your insurance company will deny the claim because the leak could’ve been prevented.
Will Insurance Pay for Water Damage to a Wood Floor?
Similar to other water damage instances, the company will pay for restoration if the damage is sudden and unexpected. However, they will deny your claim if water buildup damaged your floors over the years.
Does Car Insurance Cover Water Damage?
Whether your car insurance covers water damage depends on what caused it. If heavy rain, flood, or other environmental circumstances led to car damage, your car insurance will cover it. However, you’ll have to pay for the repair if you damaged your car while washing it or if you spilled something in it.
How to Make a Successful Water Leak Insurance Claim
If you want your insurance claim to be successful, you should file it as soon as you notice the water damage. If the issues go unchecked for too long, that can lessen your chances of a successful claim. Alternatively, even if your claim is accepted, you’re likely to receive less money if you wait too long before filing it. Here’s how to maximize a water damage claim:
Water Damage Insurance Claim Tips
Make sure you do home upkeep at least twice a year, in the fall and the spring. Keep the records of workers you’ve hired to do maintenance in recent years. That way, you’ll be able to prove you didn’t cause the damage due to neglect.
Additionally, think ahead about your insurance needs, and choose a company that will fit those needs. Furthermore, look into the coverages on your insurance policy and try to understand what is excluded from them.
How Much Does Insurance Pay for Water Damage?
Insurance companies usually pay up to $7,000 for water damage restoration. However, the amount they pay will depend on how damaged your property is and how well you maintained it before the damage occurred.
How to Pay for Water Damage Not Covered by Insurance
If insurance does not cover your water damage restoration, you will have to pay for it yourself. However, in sudden damage cases, that will rarely happen. Alternatively, if the repairs exceed the amount your insurance company is willing to pay for it, you will have to pay the rest yourself.
Conclusion
If you want your insurance company to pay for water damage restoration, make sure you act quickly. Call them as soon as you notice the damage. Additionally, maintain your pipes, roof, and windows regularly. That way you’ll be able to prevent any gradual water damage your insurance company won’t cover.
If you have more questions about water damage, click here and learn more about:
- How Quickly Can a Water Damage Company Respond to Water Damage?
- How Does the Water Damage Restoration Process Work?
- Do I Have to Use the Water Damage Restoration Company That My Insurance Company Recommended?
- What Happens to Our Water Damaged Furniture After a Flood?
*Damage from mold is limited and varies from state to state.
