Most Common Questions about Homeowner's Insurance for Water Damage Answered

No matter where you live, water can be one of the most dangerous risks to your home and valuables, so it's vital to understand what your home insurance covers in the event of water damage.

We've compiled an FAQ guide to make sure you're prepared in the aftermath of a water emergency.

Below are the Top 3 questions we get from our clients after water damage regarding insurance coverage:

1. Does my insurance cover flood and water damage?

Water damage can be covered by homeowners insurance depending on the cause. Abrupt internal water damage is covered, but damage caused by carelessness or lack of maintenance, as well as flood-related damage, is not.

2. What kind of water damage repair services are covered by homeowners insurance policies?

Water damage is covered by standard home insurance policies if it is unexpected and internal. Additionally, the water has to have never touched the outside ground. There are 16 possible water damage accidents that are covered by insurance, which your reason has to be among, such as the sudden and accidental tearing, cracking, burning, or bulging of a steam, heating, air conditioning, or automatic fire protection system.

3. What services for water damage restoration are not covered by homeowners insurance?

If the water damage did not happen because of an unanticipated incident or accident, is not usually covered by your house insurance. You should not expect any insurance money if the damage is a result of neglect or lack of maintenance.

More common questions...

My basement walls are leaking, will my insurance cover the damage?

Water damage caused by seepage of water through the walls or floor of a basement is not covered by standard homeowners insurance.

A flood caused a sewer back up into my home, will my insurance cover the costs?

Water damage caused by a sewage backlog is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. However, most insurers provide sewer backup endorsements, though some will not provide coverage if it was caused by a flood.

My sump pump failed, will my insurance cover water damage?

Water damage caused by a sump pump failure is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. However, most insurers provide sump pump failure endorsements, though some will not provide coverage if it was caused by a flood.

Someone drove through my lawn during the flooding. Is my lawn covered by insurance?

Damage to the lawn caused by vehicles not owned or operated by a resident of the premises is covered by standard homeowner policies.

Will my insurance cover spoiled food in my refrigerator if my power goes out?

Standard homeowners policies do not cover food going bad caused by a power outage when the origin of the outage is located off-site.



However, some comprehensive plans have included a limited amount of coverage, while other firms will issue an endorsement to cover food spoilage.

I had to leave my home due to a mandatory flood evacuation, will my insurance cover my additional living costs?

There is no coverage for standard homeowner's policies because flood is not an insured danger.

Flood waters left debris on my property, will my insurance cover removal?

There is no coverage for debris removal due to flooding in standard homeowners policies because a flood is not considered an insured danger.

How do I file a report after buying federal flood insurance?

The claim forms can be a bit tricky so it is best that you contact your insurance agent for assistance.

Who bills the insurance; the homeowner or the restoration service company?

Typically, the homeowner is the one to contact insurance, but they do not always have your best interest in mind. They may suggest one of their preferred providers (usually have a mutually beneficial relationship with insurance companies), which may not actually be the best option for you. 

After you report the damage, insurance claim representatives frequently send one of their providers to your house right away to handle the claim and determine how your personal property should be fixed.



This is not a requirement though; you are allowed to choose your own restoration company that has only your best interests in mind. 

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

Your personal insurance agent or company will have more information regarding any specific questions or scenarios you may have about your policy.

Call FEMA 1-800-427-4661 for additional insurance questions. Call 1-800-638-6620 for National Flood Insurance Program claims.

If you are experiencing any water damage in the New England area, give us a call!