Floods can happen anywhere it rains. What if an inch of water filled your home or business? Even worse, what if you lost everything? Flood damage is just another kind of water damage, right? Most homeowners would be hard-pressed to explain the difference – unless they’ve been hit with disaster. In that case, they find out in a hurry what is covered under their general homeowner’s policy and what is not. When it comes to water damage vs flood damage, flood damage poses higher health risks, can require additional insurance coverage, and can cost more to repair.
It’s important to note that some policies will cover the damage resulting from a flood or an internal accident, but won’t cover the failed part. If you have a leaking roof or a leaking pipe, replacing the faulty material may be your responsibility. Also, the insurance companies frown on damage from ongoing problems. While they may not cancel your policy, they may refuse to pay for a sump pump that’s been deteriorating for a few years.
Water damage comes from a source within the home, not outside of it and is typically covered by homeowner’s insurance. So the damage resulting from leaking roof is covered under water damage, but an overflowing storm drain that floods your basement is not. A leaking pipe in the bathroom wall soaks the carpet and flooring; that damage is covered.
Flood damage, on the other hand, is not covered by a typical homeowner’s insurance policy. You must invest in a separate policy – and before any damages have taken place. Most flood coverage will protect your home and possessions from flood damage. This may include replacing or repairing appliances, carpeting, artwork, clothing, etc. Here are some examples of damages that are covered:
- Your home and its foundation
- Electrical systems and plumbing
- Mold remediation and prevention
- Built-in appliances
- Carpet, paneling and furniture that is built into the home
- Removing the debris
Typically, flood coverage does not include replacement of landscaping, vehicular damage, or unaddressed mold damage. If your home suffers mildew or mold damage because the water damage was ignored or was not cleaned up by a professional, insurance policies will not cover it.
Nobody can foresee what kind of catastrophe will arrive on our doorsteps but we can be proactive. Insurance policies can be tricky to understand so check with your insurance agent to make certain you have effective flood and water damage coverage. And be prepared – keep our phone number handy, because we know Central Pennsylvania, water damage, flood damage, and how to fix it. Count on Xtreme Home Improvement to help make the recovery less stressful.