Water damage and insurance
Whether your policy pays depends on where the water came from. Here is the general picture, and the questions to ask your insurer before cleanup starts.
Every policy is different. Read yours, or ask your agent, before you assume anything below applies to you.
What a homeowner policy usually covers
- Sudden and accidental water from inside the house, such as a burst pipe or a water heater that suddenly fails.
- Wind-driven rain and ice dams, and water let in when a storm damages the roof or a window.
What it usually does not cover
- Flooding from rising water, such as a river, creek or surface water coming into the house. Flood coverage is a separate policy, through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer.
- Slow leaks and wear that went on for a long time.
- Sewer or drain backup, unless you added a sewer backup rider. Many policies leave it out.
- Frozen pipes in a house that was not kept heated. Policies generally expect you to keep the heat on or shut off the water if the house is empty.
Flood insurance
Standard homeowner policies generally do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program, run by FEMA, sells flood policies through insurance agents, and private flood insurance is also available. A new flood policy usually has a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so it needs to be in place well before a storm.
Questions to ask your insurer
- Is this covered, and what is my deductible?
- Do you want an adjuster to see it before cleanup starts?
- Can I choose my own restoration company?
- What documentation do you need: photos, moisture readings, receipts?
- Is there coverage for living elsewhere if the house is not livable?
Protect your claim
- Photograph and video everything before it is moved or thrown out.
- Keep samples of damaged flooring or materials if your insurer asks.
- Keep every receipt for emergency work and supplies.
- Start a list of damaged belongings right away.
Send a water damage request and mention whether you have opened a claim.
Sources: Insurance Information Institute, water damage coverage guidance; National Association of Insurance Commissioners, burst pipes and homeowners insurance (2024); FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. This page is general information, not insurance advice.