Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Broken Pipes?

A pipe in your home has burst due to the cold, and the water has destroyed your wood floors. Will my homeowner's insurance pay the cost of a new pipe? It is dependent on your insurance policy.

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Water damage may be covered by homeowners' insurance, however this is highly dependent on the nature of the water disaster. If the damage is caused by anything unexpected or unforeseeable, such as a burst pipe, a leaking air conditioner, or a malfunctioning washing machine, the insurance will usually cover it.

Various Types Of Damage

However, if the cause is "gradual damage" that occurs over time, such as a leaky pipe or a crack in your home's foundation, the insurance provider may refuse to pay. It can be difficult to determine whether or not homes insurance will cover plumbing.

Wear and tear, as well as progressive deterioration, are not covered by any insurance coverage. There may, however, be certain exceptions. For example, "resulting damage" could be caused by a cracked water tank, an exploding dishwasher, or, yes, a busted pipe. The answer to the question "does homeowners insurance cover burst pipes?" would be yes if a dishwasher exploded.

TAKEAWAYS IMPORTANT

• Damage from broken pipes is usually covered by homeowner's insurance if it occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.
• Water damage that happens over time as a result of a leaking or rusted pipe, on the other hand, is usually not covered.
• Consider seeking a second opinion from a competent professional or a consumer advocacy organization acquainted with insurance in your area if you believe your claim was refused unfairly.

Pipes in the Eyes of Insurance

The majority of insurance companies consider a home's plumbing to be routine maintenance. The property owner is responsible for ensuring that pipes do not freeze, that they are kept unclogged, that they are securely fastened, and that they are generally maintained—as well as for looking for mold, mildew, or other signs of water damage that indicate a small crack, hairline fracture, or leak somewhere.

Damage that occurs over time as a result of a leaking, rusted, or deteriorating pipe is usually not covered. Leaky pipes, on the other hand, are not the same as broken or burst pipes. These gushers have the capacity to flood the whole house. As a result, the damage and devastation they cause are normally covered under your homeowners insurance's all-perils section.

If you reside in a colder region and your pipe bursts as a result of the lack of heat in your home, your insurance company may blame you and refuse your claim. Broken pipes must have occurred unexpectedly and by chance, and they could not have been readily avoided. If you ignore a leaky pipe until it bursts, the insurance company will be able to see proof of a long-term leak and refuse your claim.

What Is Included in the Package?

Some policies distinguish between harm that occurs after the event and damage that occurs before the event. If water damage from a broken pipe or appliance, for example, is mentioned as covered in your insurance policy, you may be reimbursed for some or all of the losses, even if they didn't happen straight away.

When a pipe breaks, homeowners insurance pays for damage to the carpet or rugs, the floor, the drywall, the paint, and other items. This coverage would also cover any services required to clean up the water, dry up the home, and possibly prevent mold. Surprisingly, the expense of repairing or replacing the blown pipe or broken appliance—the source of the problem—is not covered.

How To Get A Water Damage Claim Approved

It's critical to have your plumbing inspected by a licensed professional on a regular basis, and to keep track of the repairs you've made and the professionals you've hired to do inspections and maintenance over the years. In the event of a claim, these documents could be crucial.

Different parts of your home's plumbing will last for different amounts of time. Pipes that have outlived their usefulness should be replaced. In northern regions, leave your home's heat on during the winter, even if it's set to low, especially if you're going to be gone for an extended amount of time.

A water shutoff valve should be installed in every home, regardless of climate. Make sure you know where this valve is and that it is operational in case you need to shut off the water immediately.

What Should You Do If Your Claim Is Rejected?

If you were refused coverage for damage caused by a leaking pipe that you believe should have been covered, you should seek a second opinion from a licensed specialist or a consumer advocacy organization knowledgeable with insurance in your area.

Your insurance company's ombudsman may potentially be able to assist you with your file review. You can also seek advice or submit a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner.

Final Thoughts

If you're unsure whether your insurance will cover water damage caused by a leaking or damaged water pipe, talk to your insurance advisor, agent, or broker about the specific wording of your policy. You'll need to go over your policy's exclusions as well as the types of coverage you have.

Make sure you're familiar with all of your policy's coverages, as well as the exclusions and your duties as a homeowner. To minimize surprises, undertake annual maintenance on your home in the spring and fall. Small repairs done on a regular basis can save you money in the long run.

Also, make sure your home is underinsured. Make sure you get the right insurance for your needs, and don't forget to ask about additional coverage if you think you'll need it.