Did you know that 98% of basements experience some type of water damage? The average home insurance claim for water damage is $11,098. You can end up dealing with anything from a simple $100 leak to a $100,000 contaminated water damage to the entire floor. 

That’s why you have homeowners’ insurance to help protect you in these circumstances. Water damage is the second most common type of insurance claim. But does your policy cover restoration?

We are here to help you understand what you need to look for in your insurance policies including exclusions and deductibles. Keep reading to gain some additional advice from 1d Remedy’s restoration experts!

Types of Coverage Needed

A regular homeowner’s insurance policy covers sudden or accidental damage. This can include roof leaks, burst pipes, or water damage from extinguishing a fire. While flood damage is not included in most policies, you can get coverage for storm damage or ice dams where the damage is caused by the weight of snow, ice, or sleet.

Terms and Conditions of Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Water damage can make a significant dent in your pocket with the increasing costs of renovation. The number of claims over $500,000 has doubled and claims over $1 million have tripled over time. If you spent a lot of time and resources renovating your home, the cost of restoration will be higher for you.

The first thing you need to do when you encounter water damage is to review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. These terms will tell you whether you are covered for the expenses you incur. It’s always a good idea to keep your insurance policy updated and make sure you add on any additional riders to your policy, like the sump pump rider.

Size of Your Deductible

Keep the size of your deductible in mind because that can impact your out-of-pocket cost. For example, you could have an insurance policy that covers up to a maximum of $50,000 in damages. But you may have to pay a large deductible, which you have to cover from your own pocket.

You can pay a lower deductible and get higher coverage provided you take some steps to maintain your home. Contact your insurance company to make sure you know what you can do to reduce your insurance costs while increasing your coverage.

For additional advice, contact 1d Remedy and we can help guide you through the insurance claim process.

Types of Water Damage Not Covered

The most important thing you need to know about your coverage is what type of damage is not covered based on the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. In some cases, you can pay extra to get additional coverage.

Maintenance

Homeowners’ insurance covers sudden and accidental damage. If you have a leak that’s been going on for months because you haven’t maintained your property, it will not be covered under your policy. If a pipe bursts because it was rusted and broken, and you haven’t done annual maintenance checkups, your insurance company may deny your claim.

Keep an eye out for signs of water damage. Conduct annual maintenance checks. Even if they don’t find anything, you can provide that as proof that you were not neglectful and you did your part to maintain your home. 

Remember to get your roof inspected regularly. Replace any missing or rotting shingles, keep your gutters clean and inspect hoses. The cost of simple maintenance can mean thousands of dollars of savings in the future.  

Seepage

Ground seepage is usually not included in your normal coverage. Seepage means groundwater has slowly infiltrated your home over time. This does not qualify as sudden or accidental water damage.

Check your insurance policy to see if there is a seepage exclusion. Protect yourself by keeping an eye out for mold, rot, or bulging roof or floor where water could be pooling.

Mold

When you have water damage, your home can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. Your insurance policy will not cover mold damage. If you had water damage in the past that caused mold, you need to make sure you work with a restoration specialist to clean and dry the area so you are not dealing with additional costs in the future.

Sewer Backup and Sump Pump

You will need to pay extra for sewer backup coverage. This additional coverage will protect you from water damage caused by a water backup in the sewage that causes water to enter your home through drains. A sewer backup can occur because of heavy rain or flooding in the area.

Your policy will also not cover sump pump failure, but this can be added as a separate rider. With these additions, you are covered for any property damage because of water backup or sump pump failure. Fixing the sump pump itself is covered under a separate type of coverage for equipment breakdown.

Flooding

No region in the US is safe from flash flooding that can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet. A flooded house can be stressful and difficult to deal with, especially in flood-prone zones. Unfortunately, flooding is generally not included in your insurance policy.

You may be able to purchase flood insurance if you don’t live in a flood-prone zone. If you are wondering what to do after a flood, remember to review the terms of your policy and make sure you are covered. Pay for additional flood coverage beforehand so you are not in a situation where you

Get an Estimate for Restoration Today

Once you review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, you will know exactly what is covered and what isn’t. Remember to review your policy before something happens so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. Restoration can help you and your family manage your resources and get back to normal life sooner.

Contact us today to get an estimate so that you can make an insurance claim right away. We can help answer any specific questions you have about the insurance component of restoration and how to file a proper claim to maximize your coverage.