What Homeowners Need to Know About Water Damage Claims

At StormClaim.com, our public adjusters want all homeowners to know a few things about water damage, and how their insurance claims are impacted by the source of the destruction. The reality is, water damage claims are not as straightforward as you might think.

Water Damage Claims are Costly

According to research compiled by a property management company, the average home insurance claim for water damage is just over $11,000.

Other water damage facts include:

• Home water damage emergencies affect, on average, 14,000 people per day in the U.S.
• 98% of basements in the U.S. experience some sort of water damage.
• Nationwide, household water damage costs up to $20 billion annually.

While water damage can lead to significant repairs or replacement costs, most homeowners are surprised to learn that not all water damage is covered by their insurance policies.

Water Damage is Not Always Covered by Homeowners’ Insurance Policies

There are few things worse than reporting costly water damage to your homeowner’s insurance company, only to learn your policy does not cover your losses.

While all homeowner’s insurance policies are unique, the most common types of water damage that are covered are those caused by the sudden and accidental discharge of water.

Insurance policies typically do not cover the homeowner’s failure to maintain or repair the origin of the water damage.

In addition, sewer backups and flood damage are typically not covered by homeowner’s insurance policies unless the policyholder has paid for the coverage separately through add-on coverage, or a completely different policy.

How to Help Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

One way to avoid filing a water damage claim that may not be covered by your insurance policy is to be proactive in evaluating and maintaining your home.

That may include:

• Caulking and sealing windows.
• Inspecting your roof regularly for damage and making repairs when necessary.
• Checking gutters and downspouts regularly to ensure they are clear, and that water drains away from the foundation.
• Inspecting and maintaining your plumbing system.
• Replacing your water heater every ten years, or as suggested by the warranty.
• Installing a humidity sensor or wireless water valve to monitor water flow and usage that can potentially alert you to a leak.
• Knowing the location of the main water shut-off valve to your home to minimize damage during an emergency.

If your home suffered water damage that you believe should be covered by your insurance policy but are receiving resistance from your provider, contact our skilled public adjusters at StormClaim.com today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can produce solutions for your unique recovery needs by calling (844) 967-8676, so you do not have to face the insurance company alone.