INSURANCE · HOME

Is Water Damage Covered?

Burst pipe: usually yes. Flood: usually no.

Photo: Atomicdragon136 / CC BY 3.0

ENTRY 01 · HOME

Sudden

USUALLY COVERED

A burst pipe or a split washer hose is usually covered by a standard policy.

Photo: Atomicdragon136 / CC BY 3.0

ENTRY 02 · HOME

Slow leak

USUALLY DENIED

Leaks that ran for months are treated as maintenance, not an accident.

Photo: Atomicdragon136 / CC BY 3.0

ENTRY 03 · HOME

30 days

FLOOD POLICY WAIT

Floods need a separate policy. Most NFIP policies start after 30 days, FEMA says.

Photo: Atomicdragon136 / CC BY 3.0

ENTRY 04 · HOME

$15,400

AVERAGE WATER CLAIM

Triple-I average for water and freezing claims, 2019 to 2023.

Photo: Atomicdragon136 / CC BY 3.0

ENTRY 05 · HOME

Photos

FILE IT RIGHT

Stop the water, take photos, then call your insurer fast. Keep receipts.

Photo: Atomicdragon136 / CC BY 3.0

FINAL ENTRY

Know your policy before the pipe bursts.

The full guide: what is covered, flood insurance and how to file a claim.

nexgenheadlines.com

Photo: Atomicdragon136 / CC BY 3.0