What is covered, and what isn’t?
Owning a home is a significant investment, and protecting that investment is crucial. Water damage is one of the most common and potentially costly issues homeowners face. However, not all water damage is covered equally under standard homeowners insurance policies. This blog explores the types of coverage needed to protect your home from various water-related incidents, including heavy rainfall, leaky roofs, water intrusion from poor drainage or plugged gutters, and flooding from rising waterways. Reliable Insurance Agency has offices in Cloquet, MN, Hermantown, MN, and Superior, WI. That means we know the local insurance market very well and want to help Northland homeowners with all your insurance needs! Homeowners insurance coverage for water damage isn’t an open-and-shut case!
- Heavy Rainfall and Leaky Roofs:
- Sudden and Accidental Leaks: If your roof leaks due to a sudden event like a heavy storm causing immediate damage, your policy may cover the resultant water damage.
- Roof Repair: The cost to repair the roof itself may not be covered unless the damage was due to a covered peril, such as a windstorm.
A typical homeowners insurance policy generally provides coverage for sudden and accidental water damage. This can include:
- Water Intrusion from Poor Drainage or Plugged Gutters:
- Resulting Damage: If water backs up into your home due to clogged gutters or poor drainage, the resultant water damage to your home’s interior might be covered, assuming it was sudden and accidental.
- Maintenance Issues: Damage resulting from neglect, such as failing to clean gutters, is generally not covered.
Sewer Backup Coverage
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover water damage resulting from sewer backups. To protect your home from this type of damage, you need to add a sewer backup endorsement to your policy. This additional coverage specifically includes:
- Sewage and Drain Backups:
- Covered Events: Damage caused by the backup of sewers or drains, sump pump failures, or clogged plumbing systems.
- Restoration Costs: Coverage usually includes the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property and any necessary cleanup.
Flood Insurance
Flooding from rising waterways, such as rivers or lakes is not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. For this type of coverage, homeowners need a separate flood insurance policy, typically available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Flood insurance provides:
- Flood Damage:
- Flood Events: Coverage for damage from flooding due to natural events like heavy rain, storm surges, or rapid snowmelt.
- Building and Contents: Policies usually cover the structure of your home and its foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, and personal belongings.
Summing it all Up:
- Standard Homeowners Insurance:
- Covers sudden and accidental water damage (e.g., storm-induced roof leaks).
- Does not cover damage due to maintenance neglect or flooding.
- Sewer Backup Coverage:
- Covers water damage from sewer or drain backups.
- Is an available endorsement for a standard policy.
- Flood Insurance:
- Covers flooding from natural water sources.
- Requires a separate policy, often through the NFIP.
Tips for Homeowners:
- Review Your Policy: Understand what your standard homeowners insurance policy covers and consider endorsements for additional protection.
- Maintain Your Property: Regularly inspect and maintain your roof, gutters, and drainage systems to prevent avoidable damage.
- Assess Flood Risks: Determine if you live in a flood-prone area and consider purchasing flood insurance if necessary.
- Insurance Payouts will only pay to the limit chose by the insured. Typically, payouts range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the coverage amount selected.
By understanding the different types of coverage and ensuring you have the appropriate policies, you can protect your home from the financial impact of water damage, no matter the source. Reliable Insurance Agency helps Northland homeowners navigate their insurance. Contact us today to discuss your homeowners insurance options and ensure you fully protect your home. Being a locally owned independent agency with three offices located in Superior, Cloquet, and Hermantown, we can meet with you wherever it is most convenient.
