The country can experience a lot of flooding caused by heavy rains, storms, or other natural calamities. In such incidents, homeowners might deal with property damage and losses, including the destruction of private property. When this takes place, you need to be aware of what can be covered under your insurance coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Your usual homeowner’s insurance plan should cover physical damage to your home and the belongings brought on by water. This includes flooding resulting from natural disasters like storms or excessive rain. But in most cases, it does not cover damage due to flooding from rivers and lakes because a sudden and unexpected event does not cause it. If you reside in these locations, purchasing separate flood insurance coverage along with your regular homeowner’s policy is advisable.
Homeowners insurance also does not cover damage caused by lack of maintenance, floods resulting from poor water drainage systems or sewer backups, or mold and mildew caused by inadequate ventilation. Additionally, it may not cover repairs to basements, wall surfaces, driveways, or sidewalks if a flood damages them.
Finally, homeowners insurance typically does not cover damages caused by earthquakes or sinkholes unless you have particular coverage.
It’s worth considering, though, that you might need to pay out of pocket before getting a reimbursement, depending on the scope of the damage and your coverage restrictions. Make sure to review the policy very carefully, so you understand what is covered.
It’s also vital to keep in mind that certain flood-related losses can be tax-deductible, so keep all invoices associated with repairs or replacement purchases if you’re entitled to a reduction. If you have flood insurance and need to contact a water damage restoration company to assist you in cleaning up the aftermath, going online is a great place to start your search.
What are the common types of losses included in an insurance claim?
The following are a few of the common types of losses that may be covered under your insurance coverage:
- Cleanup costs
This involves pumping out water from your home, removing debris and mud, mold removal or remediation, and other necessary services. Your insurance provider can vouch for a property damage restoration business like PuroClean of Northwest Fort Worth to assist you with your cleanup initiatives.
You may also find one on your own but ensure that the company has the experience and knowledge to do the task to eliminate further damage. Continue reading to learn more about how it works.
- Repair and replacement costs
Depending on the damage severity, you may need to change or repair items in your house, including floors, walls, furniture, rugs, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and cooling and heating systems. Your insurance plan will also cover any losses of important paperwork caused by a flood.
- Additional living expenses
If you really need to leave your home while repair services are being made, you may be reimbursed for hotel stays, meals, and other costs that go beyond your usual monthly expenses. Your insurance provider can offer even more details on this coverage.
- Personal property damage claims
You will be compensated for any personal belongings damaged or destroyed due to the flood waters, such as jewelry, clothing, electronics, artwork, and books. The amount of policy coverage usually depends on the limits included in your plan and the type of losses sustained.
The Bottom Line
Nobody wants to experience water damage to their home, but with the right homeowner’s insurance, any loss can be minimized, and repairs can often be made without too much problem. Make sure to review your coverage meticulously so you know what is covered, what limits are in place, and how you should proceed if a claim needs to be submitted.
