Water damage can be costly to fix, especially if it’s severe. Can you depend on your homeowner’s insurance to cover the cost of these repairs? Knowing more about homeowners insurance can help you be prepared in case your home experiences water damage. Keep in mind that tools such as a sprinkler stopper offer an effective way to reduce the risk of water damage.
Sudden and Internal Water Damage
Homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover water damage that occurs in certain circumstances, such as internal and sudden water damage. When you have water damage from an internal source rather than outdoor water, your homeowner’s insurance might cover the cost of repairs. For example, a fire sprinkler turning on suddenly or a pipe in the wall bursting might qualify for coverage when there’s water damage.
In order for homeowners insurance to cover water damage from an internal source, keep in mind that it usually has to be sudden and unexpected. Homeowner’s insurance might not cover the cost of water damage that was caused by a lack of maintenance. For example, your homeowner’s insurance might not pay for water damage repairs if a fire sprinkler is turned on due to a lack of maintenance, such as rust or corrosion. In this case, you might be required to pay for all of the repair costs.
Water Damage Coverage
Homeowners’ insurance policies often cover water damage in other circumstances. These might include damage due to rainstorms or snowstorms. Your homeowner’s insurance policy might also cover water damage caused by frozen plumbing, interior roof leaks, vandalism, and overflow from toilets or other fixtures. Depending on your policy, your homeowner’s insurance might cover water damage if it occurs due to putting out a fire. You should check with your homeowner’s insurance company to get detailed information on when water damage is covered.
Water Damage Exclusions
Homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover the cost of water damage in all cases, such as when it occurs from neglect. Your policy might also exclude water damage due to sewer pipe backups or water pipe backups. Ground seepage in your yard might not be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy either. Standard homeowners insurance policies also exclude flooding, which is why homeowners need to buy separate flood insurance policies.
Mold from water damage is covered in some cases, but not in others. Your homeowner’s insurance policy might cover the cost of mold if it occurs due to water damage that wasn’t caused by a lack of maintenance.
Preventing Water Damage
Taking steps to prevent water damage can reduce your risk of needing to worry about paying for repairs. A sprinkler shutoff tool offers a quick way to stop fire sprinklers from damaging your home, for example. Routine maintenance on fire sprinklers, plumbing, and other potential sources of water damage can help prevent water damage from occurring.
Contact Us for a Sprinkler Stopper
If you’re ready to choose a sprinkler stopper to help prevent water damage, please contact Shutgun. Our sprinkler stoppers can help keep your building safe from severe water damage.