The second question most of our customers ask, after “Can you come and fix this?” is “Will my home insurance cover the water restoration service?” The answer to this depends on several factors including:

• What caused the damage?
• What type of policy do you have?
• Is the damage sudden or a result of long-term problems?

We will try to help you understand the basic coverage policies of most home insurance policies.

Is the Damage Unexpected?

Home insurance will cover damage that is a result of a sudden, unexpected accident, but it will not cover damage that is a result of an ongoing issue. For example, if you had a small but steady leak where the pipes connect under your sink, and one day the floor beneath your sink collapses, this damage is not likely to be covered because it could have been prevented if the leak had been fixed when it first started. However, the hose of your dishwasher suddenly bursts with no warning and causes damage to your kitchen floor. This was an accident you had no way of predicting and will more than likely be covered.

Inside or Outside Cause?

Home owner’s insurance won’t likely cover damage that was created by water that originated outside of your home. Groundwater that seeps into your basement and creates damage or the sewer backing up and creating a mess is not going to be covered. However, if the pipe leading from your toilet happens to break and cause damage in your basement, this is something that will be covered. The best way to think of these type of issues is that most homeowner’s insurance won’t cover any water damages that result from water that originates outside of your home. This needs to be covered by additional insurance.

Question Everything

The best way to know what kind of water damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance is to read the entire policy and ask questions before signing. If possible, think of various scenarios to ask about. This helps you know in advance so that you won’t be unexpectedly left unprotected.

A Word About Flooding

Home owner’s insurance does not cover water damage caused by flooding. To get coverage for this type of water damage, you will need to purchase additional flood insurance.

Phoenix Area Water Damage Restoration

Located in Scottsdale, EHS Restoration understands how frustrating the various causes of water damage can be and how confusing insurance policies make the whole situation. We are glad to work with your insurance company to try and help you get through this trying damage as quickly and easily as possible. Contact us at the first signs of damage and let us help you.