You’re probably asking yourself, “Does homeowners insurance cover pipe burst damage?” It’s important to understand your insurance coverage so you can make sure your damages are fully covered. While many standard policies cover water damage, you should always check to see what’s excluded. For instance, if the burst pipe was undiscovered, it’s unlikely your insurance company will cover it. The same is true for water damage from a leaking or bursting pipe. While most standard homeowners policies will cover flooding and sewage backups, you’ll likely need an endorsement or special rider to get them covered.
Steps of Filing Claims in Pipe Burst
The first step in filing a claim for a burst pipe is examining your policy to see which damages are excluded. If you have an insurance policy for flood or hurricane damage, you should check it to make sure it includes such damage. If it doesn’t, you should consider buying a separate policy for these types of damage. When you file a claim, be sure to document the damage thoroughly. Use a smart phone camera to take pictures of the damage. It’s also helpful to note any care you took to prevent further damages.
Once you’ve filed a claim for a pipe burst, it’s time to file the claim. The insurance company will reimburse you for the costs of repairing the home, cleaning up the mess, and replacing the flooring. The insurance company will usually approve some repairs and deny others based on the cause of the damage. If the damage was legitimately caused by a ruptured pipe, your insurance provider will cover it. However, if the damage was caused by a problem that was present before the pipe burst, your insurer may not cover it.
Another step to take is to document the damage with pictures. The more photographs you take, the better, and remember to document everything. Even small items can be damaged. If you’re not able to replace them, then your insurer might not cover them. So, it’s best to document all the damages and call the insurance company. If the damage was large enough to damage your property, your insurer should cover the costs.
