When your property is damaged by water, the circumstances that led to the damage and the classification you use to describe it are factors for whether your insurance carrier will cover the damage.
It Pays To Know The Difference Between Water Damage and Flood Damage
Typically, damage due to water can be covered by either a flood insurance policy or a homeowners insurance policy. Losses not covered by one of these policies may be covered by the other. Policies may differ slightly from state to state; however, here are some general differences worth noting:
FLOOD INSURANCE covers damage caused by rising ground water that has damaged your home. Examples of covered damage include:
- A nearby river overflows its banks and washes into your home.
- A heavy rain seeps into your basement because the soil can’t absorb the water quickly enough
- A heavy rain or flash flood causes the hill behind your house to collapse into a mud slide that oozes into your home.
HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE covers damage to your home from water before it comes in contact with the ground. A few examples include:
- A hailstorm smashes your window, permitting hail and rain free access into your home.
- A heavy rain soaks through the roof, allowing water to drip through your attic or ceiling.
- A broken water pipe spews water into your home.
It’s important to note that flood insurance and homeowners insurance do not duplicate coverage for water damage. Instead, they complement each other.
