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There is a lot of confusion when it comes to water damage and home insurance. In the state of Missouri, insurance claims are being denied and many Missouri homeowners are left with mold and water damage. With water damage being one of the most common claims filed, many homeowners have a lot of questions concerning why the insurance company didn’t cover the water damage loss.
What types of water damage does your insurance company cover?
Simply stated, as long as the property damage is not caused by homeowner neglect – not properly maintaining the property – the damage will be covered. The only exception to this rule is flood damage. If you are in a flood prone area, you will need to have a separate insurance or an addition for flood insurance.
Coverages
Pipe Break: Generally speaking, water damage from a burst pipe inside your hom will be covered by your standard homowners’ insurance policy.
In general, water damage from a burst pipe inside your home will be covered by a standard homeowners’ insurance policy. Additionally, if an outside pipe bursts and causes damage, that should be covered as well, however, you will be required to prove that the water damage was from the outside pipe burst. An insurance company may deny the claim if the insurance adjuster determines that the pipe burst was from a maintenance or improper drainage issue.
Keep in mind that most pipes burst because they freeze. Most insurance claims are denied for this very reason. If you left your home unheated during freezing weather, your insurance company could deny your claim on the basis of negligence. Some insurance companies will still pay for the water damage, but not the pipe itself; however, many insurance companies will deny the claim altogether. Prevention and proper maintenance are the key to ensuring that you home will not suffer loss and if it does, your insurance company will cover the loss.
Storm Damage: If water damage is the cause of a storm, your insurance company will cover the damage. It is important to have proper documentation for a proof of loss. The insurance adjuster will always assess the damage to see if in fact the damage was caused by the storm or if it was pre-existing.
After Filing a Claim, Get Experts Involved!
In a water damage claim, time is of the essence! As soon as water damage has occurred, you need to file a claim with your insurance agent. Once the file is claimed, if there is a lot of water involved, you will need to contact a water mitigation company to handle the removal of the water and to dry out the location effectively.
All American Public Adjusters are licensed professionals who can help you with your water damage claim from start to finish. We have a team of professions who have been helping homeowners handle their property claims with an excellent track record. Let us take over your claim so you can have an expert on your side to ensure that your investment is covered!
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