Owner/Agent, Pelfrey Financial Services, Lexington, KY
This depends on the cause. If water is seeping though the walls, it typically is not covered as that would be considered maintenance. If the water is due to flood, it would only be covered under a flood policy. If the damage was due to a busted pipe or water heater, it would normally be covered. Repairs for common damp basements are not covered by homeowners insurance.
This really depends on a few factors. First, was this a sudden and accidental occurrence or did it happen over time? Secondly, did the water enter from outside your home or did it come from inside? Lastly, do you have coverage for water/sewer backup? Many companies will offer this as an option.
If the water enters from outside your home, the insurance company will treat this the same as a flood, which will not be covered unless you have flood insurance. The only exception to this rule is if it backs up through your sewer or sump AND you have water/sewer backup coverage on your policy. This still must be sudden and accidental such as during a period of heavy rain. If the water is slowly seeping through the walls or floor, they will not cover this as it's deemed a maintenance problem, not an occurrence.
If the water comes from inside your home, such as a burst pipe, they will normally cover the damage it causes.
Water claims have become very common and insurance companies are paying much more attention to them to make sure they should be covering them. Your homeowners policy is intended to protect you from the sudden and accidental. Many people seem to think that it's an excuse to avoid maintaining their homes. To avoid any problems at claim time, be sure your home is maintained, it will cost you a lot less in the long run.
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If the water enters from outside your home, the insurance company will treat this the same as a flood, which will not be covered unless you have flood insurance. The only exception to this rule is if it backs up through your sewer or sump AND you have water/sewer backup coverage on your policy. This still must be sudden and accidental such as during a period of heavy rain. If the water is slowly seeping through the walls or floor, they will not cover this as it's deemed a maintenance problem, not an occurrence.
If the water comes from inside your home, such as a burst pipe, they will normally cover the damage it causes.
Water claims have become very common and insurance companies are paying much more attention to them to make sure they should be covering them. Your homeowners policy is intended to protect you from the sudden and accidental. Many people seem to think that it's an excuse to avoid maintaining their homes. To avoid any problems at claim time, be sure your home is maintained, it will cost you a lot less in the long run.