Water Damage – Flood Insurance or Homeowner’s Insurance?

Water damage is one of the most common causes of homeowners’ insurance claims as well as one of the most confusing. For example, if a river overflows its banks and floods your home, your homeowner’s insurance is not likely to cover the damage as would fall under your flood insurance policy. However, if the flood comes from a burst pipe, your policy will likely cover the damage. But to be safe, its best not to use the word f-l-o-o-d when speaking with your GL insurance company.

Burst Pipe Insurance Claims

Standard homeowners’ policies usually cover water damage within your home resulting from a burst pipe. The same is true if an outside pipe bursts and causes damage, but you must be able to demonstrate that the damage came from the burst pipe and not another issue such as poor drainage or lack of maintenance.

Burst pipe insurance claims are fairly common in South Florida and they are generally associated with older plumbing systems.  Unfortunately, it is very difficult to monitor the condition of the pipes and one can only recognize there’s an issue when a pipe bursts.

Prevention Is Key

Some ways to prevent burst pipe insurance claims are:

1. Insulate your pipes and cold water tank.

2. Ask your plumber or contractor about water leak monitor systems.

3. Turn off your water when traveling for extended periods of time.

4. Watch for signs of burst pipes such as ceiling leaks, damp walls, noisy pipes, and low water pressure.

The effects of burst pipes are serious and can affect you and others in your area with little warning. With as much possible water loss as 2 bathtubs full per hour, burst pipes can cause property damage, loss of water and even evacuation.  

What should you do if a pipe bursts?

1. Shut off the water at the main valve.

2. Call a trusted or recommended plumber.

3. Take lots of photos to document the damages.

4. Call Reliant Adjusters to make sure that your insurance claim is handled quickly and efficiently.