Filing a Claim From Leaky Pipes? Stop and Read This First

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in Coconut Creek, FL

A sudden flood from broken or leaky pipes is no cakewalk. Water damage is the second most common type of home insurance claim, but it’s one of the most poorly understood in terms of covered losses. Your policy’s provisions and exclusions directly affect whether you’ll be reimbursed to fix a broken pipe and the resulting damage. Before you file your claim, it’s important to comprehend how insurers usually treat water damage and pipe problems.

What Type of Damage Is It?

Insurance policy language can vary widely. However, most insurers use a few different terms to discuss water damage: 

• Initial damage
  
• Gradual damage
  
• Resulting damage
  
  

Initial damage is sudden and immediate, while gradual damage builds up over time. Resulting damage occurs to surrounding areas due to a broken pipe or appliance: soaked carpet and drywall if a pipe should flood, for instance. Just as insurers won’t pay normal wear and tear, they typically don’t pay for gradual damage.

Is My Water Damage a Covered Loss?

Insurance typically pays for damage from sudden or accidental causes. Should a pipe unexpectedly burst, insurance coverage would reimburse for damage to carpet, drywall, paint and other materials. Costs associated with drying out the home and preventing mold would also be included. These losses are handled by the dwelling coverage portion of your policy.

What About My Pipes?

Insurers consider pipes to fall under a homeowner’s maintenance responsibilities. You’re typically expected to repair or replace your pipes. The key is ensuring that you’re performing regular maintenance on your plumbing. If a slow or preventable leak causes a pipe to break, your claim may not be paid.

Broken or leaky pipes are a common homeowner problem, potentially leading to water damage. You need a trustworthy water damage restoration company in Coconut Creek, FL, to help you navigate the process. A quick response is critical when you’re dealing with a flood from pipes, so choose a provider that’s Faster to any size disaster.