Water damage can be scary. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a backed-up toilet, you might be wondering: Should I file a home insurance claim for water damage? The answer depends on what caused the water damage, how bad it is, and what your homeowners insurance policies cover.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand when to file a claim, what to expect during the claims process, and how to avoid problems later. We’ll also show you how to protect your home and save money in the long run.
Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.
Water damage is when water causes harm to your home or personal property. It can ruin walls, floors, furniture, and even your home’s structure. There are many types of water damage, and knowing the source of water damage helps you figure out what’s covered by your insurance company.
These are just a few common types of water damage that homeowners face.
Your standard homeowners insurance policy usually covers accidental water damage—the kind that happens suddenly. This might include:
But homeowners insurance does not cover everything. Gradual leaks, lack of maintenance, and neglected repairs are often not covered. For example, if your shower has leaked for months and caused mold, that’s a maintenance issue.
If the water came from natural flooding or storm surge, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy.
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Here’s how to decide if you should file a claim for water damage:
Ask yourself:
If the answer is sudden and accidental, your insurance carrier will likely help.
Check the repair estimates. If the cost of repairs is just a little more than your deductible, you may not want to file a claim. Insurance companies keep track of your loss history, and too many claims could raise your rate or make it harder to switch insurance providers at renewal time.
The average water damage claim can be thousands of dollars, but minor fixes might be cheaper to handle yourself.
Some insurance policies have additional coverage for mold damage, water backups, or extra living expenses. Ask your insurance agent about your policy terms and any personal property endorsement.
Mold spores grow fast. If water sits for too long, it can lead to mold growth, which causes property damage and health problems. Many insurance companies require you to make temporary repairs to stop further additional damage.
If there’s a risk of mold, it’s better to act fast. A professional water damage clean-up company can handle efficient water removal and begin the drying process.
Here’s what the claim process usually looks like:
You may receive a Loss Draft check to cover repairs or get reimbursement later depending on your policy—either replacement cost policy or cash value policy.
Sometimes, your claim for water damage might get denied. This can happen if:
If this happens, you can appeal the decision, get legal advice, or request help from a dedicated insurance agent for a favorable outcome.
By staying on top of small issues, you can avoid costly repairs later.
If you see excessive moisture, bathroom tiles warping, or linoleum tile lifting, you might need a pro. A good water damage company will:
Always choose a trusted team that’s experienced with your type of damage and familiar with the insurance industry.
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Most standard homeowners insurance policies won’t cover damage from a slow leak or gradual leaks. These are usually seen as a lack of maintenance.
If the roof leak is caused by a storm or another covered peril, your homeowners policy may pay for repair costs and water damage inside the home.
Yes, but only do temporary repairs to prevent more damage. Keep all receipts and photos as proof of loss for your insurance adjuster.
Some policies include sump overflow coverage or separate coverage for sewage backup. Check with your insurance agent about this extra coverage.
Yes, if you live near bodies of water or in a flood zone. Flood damage is not covered by standard policy and needs a separate flood insurance policy.
Filing an insurance claim for water damage can help you avoid huge bills—but only if it makes sense for your situation. Always check the type of water damage, your insurance coverage, and the total repair costs before filing.
If you’re dealing with water damage right now, don’t wait. Call your insurance provider, stop the water flow, and connect with a trusted water damage company to get started.
For trusted cleanup, restoration, and expert help with your claim, visit our OC water damage restoration page.
Visit your nearby local emergency responder or contact us today for more information.
2650 Walnut Ave. Ste. Y
Tustin, CA 92780
