You have homeowners insurance, pay your premiums on time, and maintain a good relationship with your insurance company, but when disaster strikes, how do you know what’s covered?
Or, if you’re a Texan who remembers the 2021 February freeze and was lucky enough to escape unscathed, you may be worried about the next big winter. Does homeowners insurance cover pipes that burst? How much damage can you count on your insurance company to help you with? We're here to help you figure this all out.
All About Homeowners’ Insurance and Burst Pipes
Homeowner's insurance is essential to protecting your home and finances in the event of unexpected incidents, including, but not limited to, damage caused by water leaks and burst pipes. To protect your assets, it’s crucial to understand your policy's coverage and be aware that it can vary based on the events that have occurred.
If you haven’t done so in a while, take the time to review your policy and understand what is covered and excluded to ensure complete protection of your property.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover and Not Cover?
It’s a common misconception that basic homeowner policies cover all common disasters where you live. Several incidents, such as sewage backup, sump pump failure (which occurs more often in the Northern states), flooding, and damage from wear and tear or old pipes, aren’t usually covered by a basic policy.
Homeowners should be aware of the exclusions and purchase additional coverage if they want these added protections. For example, you should invest in flood insurance if you live in places like Galveston, or purchase windstorm insurance if you live in areas frequently plagued by hurricanes or tornados.
As a rule of thumb, homeowner insurance covers the following:
- Dwelling coverage: This protects the structure of your home, including the roof, walls, and foundation.
- Personal property coverage: This protects your personal belongings, such as furniture, appliances, and clothing, in case of theft or damage.
- Liability coverage: This protects you if someone is injured on your property and decides to sue you.
- Additional living expenses coverage: This covers the cost of living elsewhere if your home is temporarily uninhabitable due to a covered event, such as a fire.
In general, you can expect a standard homeowner insurance plan not to cover the following:
- Flood damage: Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. You must purchase separate flood insurance if you live in an area prone to flooding.
- Earthquake damage: Most policies do not cover earthquake damage, which can be costly. If you live in an area with a high risk of earthquakes, you may need to purchase additional coverage.
- Sewer backup: Most policies do not cover damage caused by sewer backups. You may need to purchase additional coverage if you want to be protected against this type of damage.
- Home business equipment: If you have a home-based business, your policy may not cover the equipment and supplies you use for your business. You may need to purchase additional coverage for this.
Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Pipes That Burst?
The coverage you can get for a burst pipe and what it damages depends heavily on your specific insurance policy.
Typically, homeowner insurance will cover cleaning and repairs for sudden and significant damage to pipes that result from incidents such as freezing or accidental damage during yard work. The coverage will usually pay for the cost of fixing the broken pipe and any resulting damage to your property. However, damage caused by gradual wear and tear, like mentioned above, such as old pipes breaking down over time, may not be covered by a standard policy.
In the event of a pipe burst, it’s essential to act quickly to minimize the damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurer will help you navigate the claims process and determine if your policy covers the damage. Taking prompt action will help ensure you receive the necessary coverage and the repair process is completed smoothly and efficiently.
Need To Fight a Denied or Underpaid Burst Pipe Insurance Claim? We Can Help.
To conclude, basic policies generally cover the cost of repairing the damage to your home and replacing any damaged personal items. However, this coverage typically depends on the damage caused by a sudden and accidental pipe burst. That’s why reviewing your policy and purchasing any needed additional coverage is vital. In doing so, you can help ensure complete protection for your home, peace of mind, and financial stability.
If you were denied an insurance claim for burst pipes and believe it should have been covered, we’re here to help. The Lane Law Firm serves families and business owners that need assistance, and we have years of experience and knowledge of insurance companies' tactics. We’ll level the playing field and do everything possible to get your claim approved.
Contact the knowledgeable team at The Lane Law Firm today to learn more about challenging insurance claim denials.
