There are only a few ways that elements like wind and fire can damage your property. But water, in all its uses, has the potential to damage our home in multiple ways. Typically, not all those damage types are covered by homeowner’s insurance policies. It may help you to know what these policies usually cover and what they do not cover. Though, note that it is best to see insurance claim denials as case-by-case matters best reviewed by an experienced attorney or otherwise qualified expert.
Leaky pipes and other forms of wear and tear
Your insurer may deny your claim if they find that your water damage was not the result of an incident. If your damage has come from a leak, for example, they may speculate that you did not properly maintain the condition of your home’s water pipes. General wear and tear damage does not fall under coverable claims. Your insurer may also deny you if they believe the water damage was the result of inadequate repair of appliances like leaky toilets or washing machines.
Bad weather or disaster-related water damage
You may receive coverage for water damage that is the result of a disaster, like if a tree goes through your roof or strong winds damage your home and create leakage. However, there is no standard coverage for flood damages done in these disasters. Flood insurance is typically a separate category.
Sewers and backups
Homeowners insurance will also not likely accept a claim for water damage that resulted from a backed-up outside drain or sewer. Like flood coverage, this is usually an add-on you may purchase for your policy.