If you have homeowners insurance, it can provide protection for damage to your home and its contents. If you’ve recently experienced a plumbing issue in your home, such as a leak or burst pipe, you may want to know if your homeowners insurance will cover the damages. Here are some things to consider when determining if your homeowners insurance covers plumbing issues.
What are some things to consider when determining if a homeowners insurance covers plumbing issues?
- Does the plumbing issue stem from a sudden, accidental occurrence? For example, if your pipe burst because of a frozen pipe.
- Does the plumbing issue stem from gradual deterioration? For example, if your pipes were corroded due to advanced age or damaged by tree roots.
- Was the damage due to neglicence or lack of maintenance? For example, if you did not maintain your plumbing correctly and it caused damage.
Some Plumbing Issues are Covered by Homeowners Insurance
There are many items that homeowners insurance covers, including certain plumbing issues. The specific coverage in your homeowners insurance policy will depend on the type of coverage you have and what it specifically covers. The general rule is plumbing issues that result in water damage are usually covered by your homeowners insurance if the damage is the result of a sudden and unforeseen circumstance. However, water damage that is a result of lack of maintenance or gradual buildup are not covered by homeowners insurance.
Let’s take a look at a few circumstances.
- Frozen or broken pipes. If your home is properly heated and a pipe freezes and bursts your homeowners insurance policy should cover the damage. However, if your home was not properly heated then your homeowners insurance policy will not likely cover it. Similarly, damage from a broken pipe might be covered if it is sudden and the pipe is not old or corroded. Where the damaged caused by an old corroded pipe that bursts might not be covered because the plumbing system wasn’t properly maintained.
- Appliances. If your dishwasher malfunctions and causes a leak, the damage should be covered by your homeowners insurance policy .
- Mold. Please see our article titled “Is mold covered in my homeowners insurance policy?“
- Sewer line. Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line replacement? The general answer is no. Similarly, sump pump overflows are usually not covered either. Unless the coverage is added as an elective rider to the policy at an additional cost.
Additional Coverage
It is important to speak to your agent about adding a rider on your policy that will provide additional coverage than that of a standard homeowners insurance policy. For example, homeowners can buy an additional rider that provides protection in the event of a sump pump overflow or a sewage backup. For homeowners that live in certain communities where the risk of a flood is elevated, then it is advisable to purchase flood insurance (see the National Flood Insurance Program). Speak to your insurance agent about getting additional coverage.
Conclusion
Homeowners insurance is designed to cover the perils of home ownership, including some plumbing related damage. If your pipes burst and caused damage to your home, you may be able to get reimbursed by your insurance company if you have homeowners insurance.
You’ll need to review your policy’s specifics to determine which plumbing issues are covered by your policy. If there is any ambiguity in the language of the document, contact your agent for more information on what could apply. Typically, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover problems that are a result of a lack of maintenance on the part of the homeowner. If you have homeowners insurance, it can make sense to take advantage of this coverage should something happen in your home’s plumbing system. That way, you can avoid footing the bill for these repairs out-of-pocket.
We can help you determine which coverage is best suited for you. Just give us a call at (248) 362-1313 or fill in the form below.
