Roberta Oswald
Roberta Oswald, Valley Property Sales & ManagementPhone: (707) 339-0233
Email: [email protected]

Does home insurance cover water damage? What every homeowner should know

by Roberta Oswald 06/16/2024

Homeowners often wonder, “Does home insurance cover water damage?” Water damage comes in many forms and from many sources, but your standard homeowners insurance policy may not provide coverage for every type.

To help you better understand the limits of your homeowners insurance, here is a basic guide to the types of water damage your policy won’t cover:

Water damage from unresolved maintenance

Making sure your home appliances and systems are in good working condition is critical for insurance as well as their functionality. Your home insurance can help you pay to repair damages caused by the sudden failure of an appliance, but won’t cover you if the failure happened because of unresolved maintenance problems.

For example, if your floors are damaged because your dishwasher has been leaking for months, you wouldn’t be eligible for coverage.

Water damage from a flood

Floods can be catastrophic and happen for a variety of reasons. Storms, overflowing bodies of water and over-saturated ground can all lead to flooding and property damage. Unfortunately, regardless of why the flood happens, the damage will not be covered by your homeowners insurance.

You can purchase separate flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program to protect you in case of flood damage. Mortgage lenders often require proof of flood insurance when you’re purchasing a home in certain regions where flooding is prevalent.

Water damage from a sewer or drain backup

Most homeowners policies typically don’t include coverage for water damage caused by a sewer or drain backup. An outside water source backing up might cause serious damage to your floors or foundation, but you’ll likely need to purchase additional coverage to help with the repairs.

Home insurance can help you pay for many kinds of repairs to your home. However, it’s important to remember these types of water damage that require additional insurance policies.

About the Author
Author

Roberta Oswald

An enthusiastic polo player, aviatrix and fourth generation member of one of the oldest winery families in the Napa Valley, Roberta has lived in the Bay Area her entire life. She has over thirty years of experience in buying, selling and managing real estate in the residential, investment and commercial markets. Not content to just “get the job done”, she wants to exceed your expectations. Roberta believes in service with commitment. Utilizing the kind of knowledge that is obtained only through extensive life experience and an in-depth understanding of the area and local market, she works with you to provide maximum results. During her accomplished career, Roberta has refined important skills in communication, negotiation, attention to detail and sound business practices, all of which are vital to the success of her clients today. Please call Roberta directly at 707.339.0233 to discuss your real estate needs.