5 Types of Water Damage: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Rain is nothing new in Washington. But when water gets into your home, one of the first questions is usually:

“Does my homeowners insurance cover this?”

The answer depends on something many homeowners don’t realize:

It’s not just the water that matters. It’s the cause of the water.

Here are five common water-damage situations that may be treated very differently by your homeowners policy.

1. A sudden pipe burst

If a pipe suddenly bursts and causes water damage inside your home, your homeowners policy may provide coverage for the resulting damage, subject to the terms and exclusions of your policy.

2. Wind damages your roof

Suppose a windstorm damages your roof and rain enters through the damaged area. That can be very different from water entering because a roof has simply deteriorated over time.

The cause of the opening matters.

3. A slow or hidden leak

This is where things can get complicated. A slow leak that has been happening over a long period may be treated differently from sudden and accidental water damage.

That’s why finding and addressing leaks early is so important.

4. Sewer or drain backup

Water or sewage backing up through a drain or sewer is another type of loss homeowners should pay attention to.

Depending on your policy, sewer or water backup coverage may require additional coverage or an endorsement. Don’t assume it’s automatically covered just because you have homeowners insurance.

5. Flooding

Flooding is different from many other types of water damage.

A standard homeowners policy generally does not cover flooding from rising surface water. Flood insurance is typically purchased separately.

The easiest way to remember it

When you're trying to understand whether water damage may be covered, don't ask only:

“Is water damage covered?”

Ask:

“What caused the water damage?”

A burst pipe, storm-damaged roof, long-term leak, sewer backup, and outside flooding can lead to very different coverage answers.

And those are answers you want before the water is coming through your ceiling.

If you're a Washington homeowner and you're not sure how your current policy would respond, call, text, email, or DM me. I'll help you understand what you have before you ever need it.

The Tillett Agency
1818 Main St Ste D
Sumner, WA 98390
360.893.7513
[email protected]