As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak.
Jason Metz Lead Editor, InsuranceAs a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak.
Written By Jason Metz Lead Editor, InsuranceAs a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak.
Jason Metz Lead Editor, InsuranceAs a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak.
Lead Editor, Insurance Les Masterson Deputy Editor, InsuranceLes Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove.
Les Masterson Deputy Editor, InsuranceLes Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove.
Les Masterson Deputy Editor, InsuranceLes Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove.
Les Masterson Deputy Editor, InsuranceLes Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove.
| Deputy Editor, Insurance
Updated: Oct 27, 2023, 9:56am
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Water damage is one of the most common and costly home insurance claims. Water damage and freezing claims account for 24% of all home insurance claims and the average claim payout is $12,514, according to the most recent data from the Insurance Information Institute.
Homeowners insurance can pay for damage from certain water problems, including water damage from rain or a leak.
Claims for water damage and freezing are the third most-costly type of homeowners insurance claim.
Fire and lightning Bodily injury and property damage Wind and hail Water damage and freezing Medical payments and other All other property damage Source: Insurance Information Institute See More See LessGenerally, water damage that is considered “sudden and accidental” is covered (like a burst pipe) but not gradual damage, like a leaking bathroom sink. And flooding is not covered, such as damage from storm surge during a hurricane.
Water damage covered by homeowners insurance typically includes:
Here are some common problems that are typically not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy:
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One of the best ways to protect a home from water damage is by taking some preventative measures. Keeping up with routine maintenance and making prompt repairs is key.
Remember, homeowners insurance covers water damage that is “sudden and accidental” but not gradual problems or maintenance issues. If you have a problem like a leaky faucet, it’s best to take care of it as soon as possible.
Here are other steps you can take:
If you discover water damage, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the area and contact your homeowners insurance company as soon as possible. If the water damage is covered by your insurance policy, you’ll be responsible for paying a deductible, which is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket. Keep in mind, water damage from certain types of events, like tsunamis, floods, sewer backups and leaks from swimming pools are typically not covered. Read more about what homeowners insurance covers.
Homeowners insurance generally excludes water damage from floods. You’ll have to buy a flood insurance policy if you want coverage for flood damage. You can purchase a FEMA flood insurance policy, or buy one from a private flood insurance company.
Homeowners insurance generally covers mold caused by water damage if the water problem was covered by the policy, such as a burst pipe. Homeowners insurance won’t cover mold caused by water damage from other issues, such as lack of maintenance, leaks from swimming pools, floods and earthquakes.
Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from hurricanes, such as rain that gets in through storm roof damage (unless your policy has a “roof exclusion”), but not water damage from rising flood water or storm surges. You’ll need a flood insurance policy to cover flood damage. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, here are some steps you can take to prepare for the hurricane season.
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Lead Editor, InsuranceAs a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.
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