Homeowners insurance is what everyone needs to have and what no one ever wants to use. There are, however, some factors you need to be aware of in terms of what it actually covers. Typically, homeowners insurance only covers sudden and accidental water damage, and generally, most policies now have caps for water damages. This cap is typically $10,000, so you need to be aware of what you may have to pay out of pocket.
Water Insurance Cover Considerations
In some cases, your insurance coverage may not extend to specific water-related events, or certain terms and conditions may apply. You need to be aware of potential coverage gaps and do everything possible to ensure you can submit a valid claim.
Faulty Water Heaters
You should be covered for any water damage if you have a well-maintained water heater that unexpectedly springs a leak. However, your insurer may fight your claim if you’ve neglected your water heater’s upkeep.
Flooding
Most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover water damage caused by flooding, even if it results from a storm. This is because flood damage is extremely costly to repair, and when major floods happen, they often impact entire neighborhoods. Covering all those claims would result in massive payouts for insurance companies, which is why flood coverage was removed from standard policies years ago.
However, some types of water damage caused by heavy rain might still be covered, depending on how the water enters your Orlando home. To fully protect your property, the smartest move is to purchase separate flood insurance.
Leaking Pipes
Your homeowner’s insurance may well cover water damage caused by leaking pipes. However, it does depend on how sudden and unexpected it is. A burst pipe that’s flooded your basement may be covered, while a pipe that’s been slowly leaking for months and seeped beneath your floorboards likely won’t be, as the onus is on you to maintain your property.
Malfunctioning Dishwashers
Again, coverage depends on whether a sudden and unexpected event caused the water damage. For example, if a pipe bursts while you’re away from home, your insurance will likely cover the damage. However, if the damage is due to poor maintenance, such as ignoring a leaking dishwasher or failing to address a known issue, your claim could be denied.
Sump Pump Failures
Many Orlando homeowners have unfortunately discovered that sudden and unexpected sump pump failures are typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance. To protect yourself, investing in additional, separate coverage specifically for your sump pump is a good idea. Generally, sump or backup pump cover is capped at $5,000, but for many, it’s a worthwhile add-on.
Without it, you could be left footing the bill for the pump replacement and any water damage caused by its failure.
The value of expert advice
When any kind of water damage occurs, it’s always recommended you call a local water damage restoration company to help with the process. This will ensure the cleanup is done professionally and you and your family are not exposed to toxic mold, water, or other dangerous situations.
Additionally, claiming from your insurance can be difficult, especially if it’s something you don’t know much about or haven’t had to do before. Expert advice from a company like CSL Water Damage Restoration, which specializes in insurance claim repairs, can help to advocate on your behalf, streamlining the process and increasing the likelihood of a successful claim.
The Home Insurance Adjuster Has Come and Gone. What’s Next?
After you file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, a claims adjuster will visit your property to assess the damage. They’ll create a report that your insurance company will use to decide whether to deny or approve your claim and how much to pay out.
Keep in mind that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Even minor issues can be used to justify reducing your payout or denying your claim altogether.
That’s why it’s essential to be prepared. Gather as much evidence as possible, such as photos, videos, receipts, and documentation, before and after the adjuster’s visit. This will strengthen your case if you need to dispute a denial or negotiate for a fairer settlement to repair the water damage.
What To Do If Your Claim Gets Denied
If your insurer refuses to pay out, the first step is to decide whether appealing the decision is worth your time and effort. If you choose to move forward, carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Did you follow the terms outlined? Do you have solid evidence that the damage occurred and requires repairs?
If you believe you have a valid case, write a formal, polite email or letter to your claims adjuster. Clearly explain what happened and include all supporting documentation, photos, receipts, and inspection reports.
Be patient — it may take several weeks to receive a response.
If your appeal is still denied and you believe the outcome is unfair, you can file a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Should the issue remain unresolved, it may be time to consult an attorney and consider the pros and cons of taking legal action.