What To Know Before You Make a Water Damage Insurance Claim

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded home due to a pipe break in South Jordan, UT

What To Know Before You Make a Water Damage Insurance Claim

Although damage from water is known as the second most common cause of homeowner’s claims, industry allowance for insurance claims for water type damage vary greatly. Whether the damage comes from bursting pipes or broken water heaters, it is important to understand what your insurance company covers in South Jordan, UT, when it comes to water damage, and you probably want to find out before you try to make a claim.

1. Flood

Within most insurance policies, floods are seen as unexpected surges of water onto more than an acre of land. Within your home, however, a flood can be defined as a sudden, unexpected surge of water that often results in puddles or standing liquid within a certain area. Because the floodwater was unexpected and could not be prevented, it is typically covered by most homeowner’s policies.

2. Rupture

Water due to ruptured of bursting pipes can be a difficult insurance claim to file if you cannot show the pipe was maintained. If the pipe dripped and you didn’t fix the broken pipe, your insurance company may say the rupture is the result of damage that occurred over time. However, the damage resulting from the water on floors, walls, and personal items may be covered because that damage was unexpected.

3. Storm

Just like a flood, a storm can cause unexpected floodwater to your home. It can also bring hail, freezing temperatures, and fallen trees. Because none of these issues can be reasonably expected to occur and damage your home, most insurance companies will cover a great deal of storm damage that occurs.

Knowing what water damage language was written into your insurance policy can help you prepare your claim against the insurance company. Whether it is a claim for bursting pipes or a sudden storm deluge, preparing your paperwork with the information the insurance company needs can be central to proving your damage and resolving the issue as quickly as possible. If you have questions, contact a water mitigation team to help clean up the water and document the process.