Flash Floods & Other Water Damage Your Insurance Might Not Cover

by Jodie Franklin 07/07/2024

Homeowner's insurance can help you recover financially from many accidents and disasters at home. While traditional homeowner's policies include coverage for personal items and your property, they don't cover everything. Certain types of damage may be excluded from coverage and require an additional policy, including many types of water damage. Here are some of the types of water damage your homeowners insurance might not cover:

Unresolved Maintenance

A key detail of homeowners insurance is, while it covers home appliances and systems, it won't cover your costs if the damage is your fault. For example, your insurance will cover the cost of replacement floors if they are damaged by water from a sudden dishwasher failure. If there were preexisting maintenance issues causing the damage, like a continually leaky faucet or pipe, the insurance isn't likely to cover the bill.

Replacements & Repairs

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover the cost of replacing whatever caused the water damage. For instance, in the above scenario, they might not pay to replace or repair your broken dishwasher. While many home appliances are included in homeowner policies, it's important to be completely clear about what might not be covered so you don't have any unpleasant financial surprises.

Sewer & Drain Backups

Sometimes water damage can occur because of a backed-up sewer or drain outside the home. This can be messy for your yard and your home's interior if the water manages to seep into your basement or floors. Unfortunately, most traditional homeowners insurance policies won't cover this type of water damage. The good news is that you can usually purchase additional water and sewer backup coverage to help you handle the damage from this type of situation.

Floods

Flood damage can range from annoying to completely catastrophic. While the source of the water in a flood can vary from one situation to the next, homeowners insurance policies won't cover your costs for damage to your home. Flood insurance is a common addition to homeowners policies in flood-prone areas, but you can purchase it as supplemental coverage no matter where you live.

When purchasing homeowners insurance, it's crucial to go over every detail. The more familiar you are with your policy and what it includes, the better prepared you'll be to handle water damage at home.

About the Author
Author

Jodie Franklin

I love helping people find their dream home or sell their house in order to achieve their next goals. I have been working hard for my clients for over 18 years throughout southeast Michigan. I have experienced every kind of transaction there is. 

Helping my community and being involved is extremely important to me. I am Past President of the Michigan Ability Partners board, which helps Veterans and people with disabilities reach independent, self-supported, and satisfying lives. I have also been a member of the City of Milan Tax Review Board and Zoning Board, and involved in Milan Main Street. I have been a major sponsor of events for Michigan Ability Partners, Aid in Milan, Milan Main Street, and many more organizations that work to make our communities better. 

I was 2018 President of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, Realtor of the year in 2016 for AAABOR and nominee for Michigan Realtor of the Year. I serve on many committees with the local board, state board and was a member of the Housing Opportunity Committee for the National Association of Realtors (2018-19). I am currently serving my second term as a Michigan Realtors Board of Directors. 

I have liked in Milan for over 20 years and enjoy living here with my husband Cliff, son Evan, and dog Rosie.