A Guide to Plumbing Insurance Coverage

Have you ever found yourself in ankle-deep water early in the morning? Burst pipes and other causes of water damage are some of the most common headaches for homeowners. But did you know that not all water damage is covered by your homeowner's insurance?

If you have a burst pipe in your home, it’s best to take the necessary precautions to reduce damage by removing or elevating all personal property from the area, alerting your insurance company, removing excess moisture with a shop vacuum or opening windows, and calling your local plumber. When it’s time to call your insurance company, be prepared with your insurance coverage policy and understand the types of water damage that will be covered.

Plumbing Insurance Coverage

After you’ve experienced unexpected water damage like a burst or ruptured pipe, your insurance adjuster will visit your home to assess the damage and determine the cause. Luckily, your insurance policy should cover the damages resulting from any sudden or accidental water intrusion. Three clauses in your insurance policy should cover the damage you experience from sudden water damage:

• Dwelling Coverage: Your policy’s dwelling coverage clause insures the structure of your home, including the walls, floorboards, and roof. If any of the structural aspects of your home is water-damaged and needs to be replaced, you’ll be reimbursed for the expenses. This clause also covers built-in appliances like the water heater should they be damaged.
• Property Coverage: In the event of sudden water damage, the property coverage clause reimburses you for personal property like clothing, electronics, and furniture. However, note that certain luxury items like jewelry may not be covered or have a cap of $1000 to $2000.
• Additional Living Expenses: If you’re displaced after your home suffers water damage, this clause in your plumbing insurance policy will cover the costs of travel, lodgings, and food.

Items Not Covered by Plumbing Insurance

Once you’ve contacted your insurance company to make a water damage claim, an insurance adjuster will come and determine the cause of the damage and the costs to make repairs. While your insurance company will cover burst pipes or plumbing malfunctions, there are certain instances where your insurance policy will not cover the repair costs. When the insurance company visits your home, they’ll inspect:

• The location of the pipes or the source of damage
• If the damage was caused by an old leak or a new leak
• Assess if there was any pipe deterioration, like rust, that would have foreshadowed a leak
• Whether the leak was a result of age or normal wear and tear

If the adjuster determines the leak or malfunction could’ve been reasonably avoided, your insurance company may refuse to pay for damages. If they determine that there was a lack of plumbing maintenance or if you experience sewage backup, flood damage or mold, then your plumbing insurance coverage will not cover these repairs.

Trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Syracuse With Your Plumbing Fixes

If you’re in need of plumbing repair as a result of unexpected water damage, or just need routine plumbing maintenance, look no further than the quick and affordable plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers are certified by Onondaga County for plumbing leak detection or any plumbing-related project, so you’re guaranteed only the best repairs and installation services available today.