Homeowners Insurance For Water Damage in Los Angeles

Water is one of the biggest threats to your home and your belongings, so knowing what Los Angeles water damage insurance covers if your home suffers water damage is essential.

Homeowners’ insurance can pay for damage caused by certain water problems, including broken pipes. One of the most frequent and expensive forms of homeowner insurance claims is water damage (including freezing damage).

Each year, about one in 50 homeowners file a claim for water or freeze damage, accounting for 29% of all homeowners’ insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

1) Types of water damage covered by Los Angeles water damage insurance

In general, “sudden and unintentional” water damage (like a broken pipe) is covered, but gradual damage (like a leaking bathroom sink) is not. And flooding is not covered, such as damage caused by storm surges during a hurricane.

Water damage covered by homeowners insurance generally includes:

• Broken pipes. This could include a frozen pipe that bursts, but not if you forgot to keep the house properly heated.

• Accidental leaks, such as plumbing leaks, or appliance leaks, such as a broken washing machine or dishwasher.

• Water damage after a fire due to water used to extinguish the flames, such as water from a sprinkler system or fire department hose.

• Water damage from a roof leak, such as storm damage or a tree falling on your roof. Keep in mind that if an accident (such as a fallen tree) damages your roof, you’ll need to repair the damage within a reasonable amount of time. Failure to do so could result in more water damage that will not be covered.

• Water damage due to heavy rain or hail.

• Ice dams, like ice that collects in your gutter and damages your home, may be covered as long as the damage was sudden and not caused by lack of maintenance.

2) Types of water damage not covered by homeowners insurance

Here are some common issues that aren’t typically covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy:

• Flood damage. In particular, flood damage is not covered by the home insurance policy. Flood water includes hurricanes, tsunamis, storm surges, overflowing river water, and water due to heavy rains. Consider flood insurance if you want coverage for these issues.

• Water damage due to lack of maintenance or negligence, such as not fixing a plumbing problem or not keeping the heat on during sub-zero temperatures.

• Water damage due to intentional acts, such as setting your home on fire or turning off the heat on purpose during the winter.

• Water damage due to “earth movement” such as an earthquake, landslide, or mudslide. For example, if your pipe bursts due to an earthquake, the water damage will most likely not be covered. If you want coverage for earthquake damage, you will need to purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy.

• Water damage resulting from a sewer or drain backup (unless you have purchased special coverage for this problem).

• Water damage due to leaks from a swimming pool or other structures.

• Water damage due to seepage or leakage through a foundation.

• The cost to repair or replace the source of the water damage, such as fixing a broken dishwasher or washing machine.

• Water damage due to a failure of the sump pump or related equipment. You may want to consider water and sump backup coverage for those kinds of problems.

3) The insurance claim process

Call your insurer – Once you find water damage, call your insurer to check if you are covered for the damage and file the claim. Don’t start your repairs until you’re sure what’s included in your coverage.

Document the damage – The more evidence you have of water damage and what caused it, the more likely you will not have a problem with your insurance company.

Store damaged items – It’s also a good idea to store water-damaged items if insurance adjusters want to examine them. This often helps them decide the cost of replacements or repairs.

Find a repair provider – Most insurers will give you a list of pre-approved providers to help you repair your damage, but you can always do your own research and find a more reliable provider.

Negotiations – Remember that you can negotiate with your insurance provider if you don’t think the amount they offer is fair.

4) How can I protect my house from water damage?

Preventative measures are one of the finest ways to shield a house against water damage. Keeping up with routine maintenance and making quick repairs is key. Keep in mind that only “sudden and accidental” water damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance; ongoing maintenance concerns are not. If you have a problem like a leaky faucet, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible.

These are other steps you can take:

• Water heaters should be drained twice a year to help avoid sediment buildup.

• Examine the hoses that connect to and come from your refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines. Repair or replace damaged hoses if necessary.

• Examine your roof and fix any issues that are found, such as missing, rotted, or broken shingles. It’s also a good idea to clean roof gutters. Clogged gutters can overflow and allow water to pool near your home’s foundation, potentially leaking into your basement.

• Avoid frozen pipes if you live in an area that has extremely cold temperatures.

• Remove snow from your roof to prevent possible ice dams. Snow can melt and freeze on roofs and gutters, causing ice dams, which can cause damage to both the exterior and interior of homes.