While April showers bring May flowers, it can also cause you to think about how water can damage your home. When it comes to water damage to your home and personal items, your homeowners' policy may or may not have it covered.
For the most part, homeowners' insurance will help cover water damage if the cause is sudden and accidental. For example, your homeowners' policy may help pay for repairs such as the drywall being soaked as a result of a water heater rupture or an upstairs pipe bursts and water saturates the ceiling below.
Depending on the damage, there are two types of coverages within a homeowners' policy that could apply.
Dwelling Coverage - helps pay for damage to the structure of your home if it is damaged by a disaster such as a broken pipe.
Personal Property Coverage - helps pay for damage to your belongings if they are damage by a water disaster.
Even with a policy, the coverage can be affected by the deductible and by coverage limits.
But also important is there are types of water damage not covered by a homeowner's policy. They include...
Damage From Neglected Or Unresolved Maintenance Issues: If you have had ongoing issues with leaky pipes, a problem shower stall or a bad dishwasher, then all of the damage may not be covered.
Replacing Or Repairing The Source Of Water Damage: This could include not paying for pipe replacement, a dishwasher, refrigerator or a washing machine.
Water Backup From An Outside Sewer Or Drain: Usually you will not be covered by a homeowner's policy if water back into your home through an outside sewer or drain.
Flood: No type of flood damage, regardless of the source of the water (from storms, ponds, rivers, the ocean), is covered by a homeowners' policy.
To determine what type of water damage your current policy covers and to avoid any future issues, contact your J.P. Perry agent. They can help you with specific issues regarding water damage caused inside or outside your home and help you get the protection you need.