Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Leak Repairs?

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A homeowner’s insurance policy is intended to not leave you hanging when something in your home experiences a malfunction. Whether it’s an issue with pipes, water heaters, or other sudden damage, you can typically have the bulk of repair costs covered. However, if it’s determined that the cause of flooding was preventable, then coverage for repairs could be denied.

The responsibility of a homeowner is to make sure your appliances and fixtures are running properly. That’s why at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric we recommend annual maintenance for small issues, such as leak repairs. Taking care of small issues today can prevent them from becoming bigger problems.

Homeowners Insurance And Leaky Pipes

Accidents happen; that’s why insurance coverage exists. With many policies, there are three different clauses you should know about when it comes to water damage:

Dwelling Coverage

“Dwelling” refers to the structure of the home, such as the walls, floorboards, and the roof. Should these parts of the home experience water damage and require removing part of the structure for repair, dwelling insurance should reimburse you. Other built-in appliances, such as water heaters, can be covered in the event of damage.

Property Coverage

If your furniture, clothing, or electronics get damaged from a plumbing malfunction, property damage is intended to reimburse you. Keep in mind that luxury items, such as jewelry, have a certain dollar limit unless you update your policy.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage

Say that water unexpectedly leaked through the floor and damaged the walls or ceiling of a room. If you need to vacate your home while it’s being restored, ALE coverage will cover the cost of a hotel and other travel-related expenses.

Plumbing Damage Not Covered By Homeowners Insurance

While accidents do happen, damage that occurs as a result of normal wear and tear of appliances typically won’t be covered by your insurance policy. If you do submit a claim for water damage, an insurance adjuster will come out to determine what caused it. These are some common reasons that claims for water damage get denied:

Lack Of Maintenance

It’s understandable that a slight leak in your faucet may not seem like an immediate priority at the time. But as the leak increases, perhaps resulting in a large wet spot in the wall or ceiling, your insurance claim could be denied because it was determined that the small leak could have been repaired earlier.

Sewage Backup

Flooded or backed-up sewage systems may not be covered, but fortunately, you can add this policy to your existing coverage. It may mean a higher monthly fee, but sewer damage can be hazardous to both your home and your health. You may want to consider including this policy, just in case.

Mold Damage

While mold damage itself is not typically covered, there are some protections against mold that can help if the cause is a covered leak. Depending on the wording in your policy, you could be reimbursed for repairs. But it’s better to know in advance what your policy actually covers – and even better to be on top of any mold growth. Some spaces that require extra vigilance are bathrooms, laundry rooms, the cabinets under sinks, crawl spaces, and garages – basically, any place where a pipe runs through.

Leak Repairs And More In South Florida

Homeownership is wonderful, but insurance claims for damages can be stressful. Avoid this hassle with regular plumbing system inspections and preventative maintenance. Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric is one of the most reputable plumbers in Coral Springs. Call us today at 1-800-475-1504 to schedule an appointment for your home.