Is Water Damage Restoration Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance usually covers water damage that is sudden and accidental, such as a burst pipe, an overflowing bathtub, or a leaking water heater. In these cases, the cost to repair the water source and restore damaged drywall, flooring, or ceilings may be covered, up to your policy limits. The pros you hire for restoration work are often paid through your claim, but the insurer decides the amount.

However, gradual damage from long-term leaks, poor maintenance, or lack of upkeep is typically not covered. For example, if a slow drip from a worn seal damages a cabinet over months, your insurer may deny the claim. Flooding from outside, like a rising river or storm surge, is also excluded under standard policies and requires separate flood insurance. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Damage from neglect or lack of maintenance is usually excluded. If you ignored a leaking roof for months, the resulting rot and mold may not be covered. Similarly, damage from pests, like rodents chewing pipes, is often not covered. Your policy may also limit coverage for certain materials, like floodwater, which is a separate policy.

Also, water damage from groundwater seepage through foundations or walls is typically excluded. This is considered a maintenance issue, not a sudden event. If you have a slow leak behind a wall that goes unnoticed, the repair to the pipe may be covered, but the resulting drywall damage might not be. Read your policy carefully and ask your insurer about specific exclusions.

Act quickly to prevent further damage. Shut off the main water valve if a pipe burst, and turn off electricity in affected areas if safe. Remove valuable items from the wet area and place aluminum foil or blocks under furniture legs to avoid staining. Open windows for ventilation, but do not use a vacuum cleaner on wet surfaces.

Document everything before cleanup, including the source of the water and the extent of the damage. Take photos of each room and item affected. This documentation supports your claim. Then, call your insurance company to start the process. While waiting, you can begin simple drying with fans and dehumidifiers, but avoid removing structural materials until the adjuster has seen the damage.

• Turn off the water and electricity if safe
• Photograph the source and all affected areas
• Remove rugs, furniture, and valuables
• Use towels to blot standing water
• Run fans or a dehumidifier to aid drying
• Save receipts for any emergency purchases