Two of the scariest words in the life of any homeowner is ‘water damage’. As every homeowner in Michigan likely knows, some of the most serious and most expensive repairs they’re likely to face involve water and the damage it can do to your home. On the other hand, there’s a great deal of misunderstanding about what the typical homeowners policy actually covers when it comes to water and water damage.
Here are some important things to remember when considering if your homeowners policy meets your needs, especially when it comes to protection from water damage.
Most of the homeowners policies cover water damage if the cause is sudden and accidental.
- Covered? Importantly, there are several scenarios where water damage is not covered under a standard homeowners policy.
- Sewer or Drain: An area that’s not covered is backup from an outside sewer or drain.
- Gradual water damage: Standard homeowners insurance typically will not cover water damage that occurs gradually over an extended period of time, whether that damage is visible or hidden. For example, if you have a slow leak under your kitchen sink that goes undetected for weeks or months, this is unlikely to be covered by your homeowners insurance.
- What About Rain? Like any water damage, whether your homeowners insurance covers damage caused by rain will depend on how the damage occurs. If the rain gets into your home as the result of sudden and accidental damage—like if a rainstorm breaks a window or tears a hole in your roof—it will likely be covered. However, if rain enters your home through an existing leak, such as through a window that doesn’t seal properly or a roof that was worn and damaged before the storm, it likely isn’t covered.
The Good News
These are just some of the scenarios where you may not be covered. The good news is that you may be able to purchase additional coverage that could protect you in this and other situations.
Exclusions: A standard homeowner policy doesn’t insure against all potential damage or expenses—like flood, water backup from an outside source etc. Whenever you’re considering a homeowners policy, always remember to ask about exclusions or what additional coverages may be necessary to adequately cover your home. This single question could save you and your family many headaches and on future expenses.
Review Every Year: Check with your insurance agent or trusted advisor to make sure your policy provides adequate and appropriate coverage. These are just a few issues to consider when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. To make sure your home is covered, it’s always a good idea to check with an agent in your area.
Shannon Childs is a Farm Bureau Insurance agent serving the Kawkawlin area.
