The wet season in the country typically lasts from July to September. However, it can start as early as June, depending on where you live. This can be stressful for homeowners as they worry about possible water damage to their property. As you know, rainwater can cause a lot of damage to your property. It can also damage your belongings and furniture. If you have a basement, water can enter and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
This means that you have to pay for professional property damage restoration services, which can be expensive. So, the question is, does homeowners insurance cover water damage from rainwater?
What Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Homeowners insurance policies typically cover two types of water damage: sudden and accidental damage and gradual damage. Sudden and unexpected damage is just what it sounds like – damage that happens quickly and unexpectedly, like a broken pipe. Factors like leaks or rotting wood usually cause gradual damage, building up over time.
Most policies will cover the repair costs up to your policy limit for sudden and accidental water damage. For instance, if a pipe bursts and causes $10,000 in damage, your insurer will pay for the repairs minus your deductible. Gradual damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. That’s because it’s considered to be preventable – if you had been maintaining your home properly, the damage wouldn’t have happened.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, if the cause of the gradual damage is a covered peril, such as a severe storm, your policy may cover the repairs. It’s essential to read your policy carefully to see what is and isn’t covered. And if you have any concerns, ask your insurance agent or company.
Some instances of water damage that your standard homeowners insurance may cover
1. Wind-Driven Rain
Most policies will cover damage caused by wind-driven rain up to your policy limit. If rainwater enters your home through a hole in your roof or walls due to a tornado, your insurer will pay to repair the damage, minus your deductible. But if the damage is caused by faulty construction or poor maintenance, it likely won’t be covered. For example, if your roof leaks because it wasn’t installed properly, you would have to pay for the repairs yourself.
2. Mold
Mold growth is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. That’s because it’s considered to be preventable – if you had been maintaining your home properly, the mold and mildew wouldn’t have started growing in the first place. However, there are some exceptions. If a tree branch falls and cracks your roof causing a leak, the resulting mold growth may be covered. Or, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage that leads to mold, the mold may be covered.
3. Vandalism
Vandalism is usually covered by homeowners insurance. So, if your home is flooded because someone deliberately turned on the water valves, your insurer will pay to repair the damage, minus your deductible. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if you live in a high-crime area and don’t have security features like an alarm system or security cameras, your policy may exclude coverage for vandalism.
4. Weight of Snow, Rain, and Ice Dams
If the weight of snow, rain, or ice dams causes your roof to collapse, your homeowners insurance pays for the repairs minus your deductible. However, if the damage is caused by poor maintenance, it likely won’t be covered. For example, if you have a shoddy roof that leaks during a storm, you must pay for the repairs yourself.
5. Water Damage from Plumbing
Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from plumbing accidents, like a broken pipe. If a pipe bursts and causes $10,000 in damage, your insurer will pay for the repairs minus your deductible. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if the damage is caused by poor maintenance, it likely won’t be covered. For example, if a pipe bursts because you didn’t properly winterize your home, you would have to pay for the repairs yourself.
What is Not Covered in Homeowners Insurance?
Some types of water damage are almost never covered by homeowners insurance, regardless of whether it’s sudden and accidental or gradual. These include:
- Damage caused by flooding
- Water damage that happens while you are away from home
- Damage caused by sewer or drain backups (unless you have a specific endorsement on your policy)
- Earth movement (such as earthquakes or landslides) that results in water damage
What If My Policy Doesn’t Cover Water Damage?
If your homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover water damage from rainwater, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy to protect your property. You can avail of flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurers. The NFIP offers two flood insurance types: building property coverage and personal property coverage. Building property coverage protects your home and its foundation, while personal property coverage protects your belongings.
Flood insurance typically covers damage from floods that result from heavy rains, melting snow, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Call your insurance agent or company to see if it’s available in your area. You can also visit the NFIP website for more information.
Also read: 5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time for a New Roof
