Water Damage & Homeowners Insurance

7/19/2018 (Permalink)

In the event of a water damage emergency, do you know if your Portland home is covered?

A water loss is a very common calamity and a fact of life for many homeowners. Insurance policies can give you peace of mind, but many times, homeowners may not be aware of what is and what is NOT covered in their policy until it’s too late. We review seven common potential water related disaster scenarios below. You may want to update your policy accordingly after reviewing this article.

Broken pipe due to freezing

During the winter months, temperatures can reach extremes that can freeze the water in your pipes and cause them to burst. Most home owner’s policies cover this type of damage unless it was caused by negligence. An example of this would be if you left your home unoccupied and without heat.

Swimming pool leak that results in damage to your basement and lawn

Generally speaking, swimming pool leaks will not be covered in your homeowner’s policy unless the leak was the result of a falling tree. Damage to your basement and personal belongings is usually covered but damage to your lawn is generally not.

Appliance failure

Water damage from a failing appliance, such as an overflowing washing machine or broken toilet is covered if the issue is accidental and not the result of negligence. If you have failed to maintain your appliances and supply hoses, and this results in damage, it will not be covered.

Sewage back up

Although sewage backups are not covered by most standard home owner policies, additional endorsements may be added to the policy for this purpose. If the sewage back up was caused at a city level, you should contact the appropriate authorities in your municipality to discuss your options.

Natural disasters and storms

Damage incurred from floods are not covered in standard homeowner insurance policies. This includes intruding water from overflowing rivers, lakes or seawater, in addition to storms. If you require protection from this type of damage, you will need to get it separately in addition to your standard policy. Check with you insurance agent to find out your options.

Water seepage from ground water beneath your basement

This type of damage is considered a maintenance issue and is not covered in standard homeowner’s insurance policies.

Leakage through roof during or after a rainstorm

If your roof has not been properly maintained, this type of damage will not be covered. However, damage to your belongings may be covered, depending on the type of insurance policy you have. It is always a good idea to perform preventative maintenance to your home, especially if you live in an area with high precipitation, such as the NW Portland and Pacific Northwest area in general.

A lot of homeowners are unsure how to handle mold growth in their home as it pertains to their insurance policy. It is good to educate yourself on this type of claim prior to it occurring.

If you experience a flood in your home or discover that you have a mold issue, call SERVPRO of NW Portland at 503-283-3658 immediately to get the remediation process underway as soon as possible. We deal with insurance companies on a daily basis and can help you navigate your claim. We are always here to help.