As a homeowner, it is essential to know what kind of perils your home insurance policy covers and how to file a claim if damage or loss occurs. Water-related damage is quite common in apartment buildings that share pipes. Will home insurance cover water damage? establishing which standard home insurance coverage applies for water damage can be difficult. The details below provide information on the protection offered against water destruction as well as directions on submitting a claim.
Water damage: what is covered in the home insurance policy?
A comprehensive home insurance policy provides protection from water damage caused by any sudden, unintentional event. This includes burst pipes, leaking roofs, and tanks, as well as natural disasters such as floods and sprinkler systems malfunctioning.
Pipe burst
In the event of a sudden pipeline rupture resulting in damage to walls, the losses will be covered by comprehensive house insurance.
Water leakage
Sometimes, we fail to notice water seeping through a faulty pipe, and the walls gradually soak up this liquid. However, when an extensive area of the plaster is stained with water, it has likely already caused damage to paint and putty. Fortunately, a comprehensive home insurance policy covers any destruction inflicted on the wall by moisture.
Tank water leakage
The water tank of any home or apartment is usually placed on the highest part of the building in order to provide sufficient water pressure for taps. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect a leak in a timely manner and this often results in ongoing leaking that causes damage from the top down. Insurance typically covers damage to a roof caused by the leakage of a water tank.
Natural calamities
Homes located close to rivers and oceans tend to be more vulnerable to natural disasters such as flooding. A comprehensive home insurance policy can offer coverage for damage and losses resulting from a catastrophic event.
Water tank burst
Most apartment buildings have water tanks made of concrete and cement that can typically last for 10-20 years when carefully inspected and maintained. However, if they are not checked regularly or any parts damaged in the period of 10 years are not repaired, these tanks may burst, causing serious destruction to the building and its contents. Fortunately, comprehensive home insurance policies provide cover for such water damage.
However, standard home insurance policies usually do not cover damages caused by water due to destruction of property on purpose, normal wear, and tear of the home’s structure, deprecation, or consequential loss. Additionally, damage that is a result of radiation or nuclear weapons will not be covered either. Furthermore, any unresolved maintenance issues such as rusty pipes and plumbing problems can cause water damage that also will not be protected by your policy. Be sure to inquire with your insurer about the specific exclusions for their plan.
How to file a home insurance claim?
Before filing a home insurance claim for water damage, make sure you are in a safe environment. If there is a fire or burst pipe, contact emergency services. Then, follow the below easy steps to initiate and file a home insurance claim in case of water damage.
- The first step is to take action to avoid any further destruction; if possible
- Document the affected area with pictures and keep receipts of related expenses
- Report the incident to your insurance company through a phone call on their toll-free helpline, mobile device app, or report online.
- Provide relevant information about the incident. When providing details about the loss or damage to property items and the house itself, be sure to include information about its type (theft/fire/water damage) as well as an accurate description.
- The next step is the submission of documentation. It is essential that you provide the required documents as instructed by your insurer. Have all relevant information, such as policy number, name, address, and proof of identification prepared.
- Depending on the severity of the damage and the type of claim filed, we may appoint a surveyor to assess the destruction through an on-site inspection. Once we process and scrutinize your documents and accept the claim, we will send you the reimbursement.
However, it is wise to not file a claim if the damage or loss is relatively lesser than the cost of the claim. You can enjoy the benefit of home insurance no claims discount for the claim-free year.
Conclusion
As an insured individual, it’s your responsibility to acquaint yourself with your home insurance policy’s provisions, covering inclusions and exclusions. Being aware of these aspects can prove invaluable if you experience a water-related accident, as such damages can be costly. Therefore, it is important to understand the claims process and coverage provided by your insurer so that you contact them immediately to reap the benefits of your home insurance policy.
