NYC Insurance Blog

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Backup?

Water backup is a common issue in most homes resulting in water damage. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems, broken water pipes, or a malfunctioning washing machine can cause severe water damage to your home. 

Luckily, homeowners’ insurance covers damages caused by a wide range of perils, and that may include water damage in some cases. However, although homeowners’ insurance covers certain types of water damage, homeowners find it hard to know what is and is not covered. Continue reading to learn how to prevent water backup and whether your homeowner’s policy covers water damage.

Different types of water backups could damage your home and personal items. First, homeowners should understand the difference between flood and water backup coverage. Flood insurance covers water damage from natural disasters like river overflow or floods. In contrast, water backup coverage covers water damage from sources like sewer lines, drain backups, sump pumps, and household appliances. We can Review your homeowner's policy to ensure you're properly covered.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Yes, homeowners insurance can cover water damage, depending on what caused the damage. Most insurers cover water damage caused by a burst pipe. For example, if a pipe freezes and bursts, there is a high possibility that the pipes and water damage are covered under your homeowners insurance (minus the deductible). However, if a dishwasher leak causes water damage, your claim can be accepted or denied depending on your routine maintenance practices.

If you knew that the dishwasher was faulty and did not fix the issues, the insurer could argue that you were negligent. This means that the water damage could have been prevented, hence denying your claim. Typically, damages caused by the following risks are covered by the homeowners insurance if they were unexpected and sudden:

• Leaky hot water heater
• Broken appliances
• Overflowing water vessel, for example, bathtub or toilet

Typically, you do not have water backup coverage with a standard homeowner’s policy. A homeowner’s policy does not provide coverage if the resulting water backup was due to negligence or lack of maintenance. Also, homeowners’ insurance does not cover damages resulting from flooding or intentional damage. You must purchase separate flood insurance to protect your home and personal belongings. Making sure you are covered for certain disasters is important, get a flood quote Today!

Homeowners must review their homeowner’s insurance policy to understand covered water backup scenarios. If your homeowner’s policy has a water damage overage endorsement section, carefully read and understand it. Your homeowner’s policy can provide coverage for water damage if:

• It results from external risks like ground or sewer seepage
• The damage is sudden/unexpected, and it results from a source inside the house
• It results from a risk named in the homeowners insurance policy, for example, air conditioning or heating

Here are some tips to prevent water damage in your home:

• Inspect and replace hose pipes in your home appliances like dishwasher and washing machine
• Drain water heaters at least twice each year to prevent sediment buildup
• Ensure all the water supply lines are clear/unblocked
• Avoid frozen pipes in your home by keeping them insulated and warm.
• Hire an experienced water damage contractor to help fix the problem
• Check exposed pipes for leaks or cracks.
• Remove trees whose roots can block the sewer lines.
• Before leaving your home for a vacation, shut off the main water supply valve.
• Pay close attention to your water bill. Any drastic increase in the water bill could be an indication of a potential problem in the plumbing system. 

Understanding water backup insurance and performing regular repair and maintenance practices are crucial to avoiding water damage risks in your home. Also, consider checking with your insurance agent to know what is and isn’t covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Finally, inquire if additional coverage is available to fit your residence depending on your location or possible perils like flooding. Give us a Call Today, to Discuss Your Water Damage Coverage!

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