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Homeowner's insurance, like other forms of insurance, protects people against unexpected losses. The standard policy covers damage to the structure and its contents. It also provides additional living expenses in the event of catastrophic damage that renders the home unlivable. Finally, homeowner's policies include liability coverage should someone be injured in an accident on your property. What About Water Damage? While it is true that most policies are quite comprehensive, they do not cover everything. Water damage is an issue most policyholders assume will be covered, but that isn't always the case. Generally speaking, water damage is caused by one of two things: a leak in a pipe or a leak in a roof. Both are serious problems, but a bad pipe can do more immediate damage, especially if it bursts. Plumbing leaks can cause thousands of dollars in damage to ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture in short order. The good news is that a burst pipe and the havoc it causes are usually covered by homeowner's insurance. Caveat Emptor As we mentioned, however, these insurance policies do not always cover water damage issues. Some policies specify that the issue must be recent. In other words, if you have a long-term leak that you failed to repair and it finally bursts and floods your living room, your provider will not pay for repairs. It is also important to note that homeowner's insurance does not cover a faulty roof. The owner must assume those costs because regular maintenance can prevent them. At the end of the day, most plumbing-related problems are covered by these policies. These issues may range from minor drips to major flooding that is caused by burst pipes or hot water line breaks. The one warning is that you must not have known anything about them. If you had a leak detection expert come out to your home who recommended repairs, and you did not heed his advice, the company can and probably will deny your claim. What To Do If you do hear a dripping sound in your ceiling or wall or feel a damp or wet spot, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Since they are ultimately responsible for most plumbing-related issues, and the problem will only get more costly with delays, most insurance providers approve repairs ASAP. The Two-Week Rule Because they know how expensive water damage can be, many providers have started adding a little-known stipulation to their policies in recent years. If the company can prove that the policyholder was aware of the problem for more than a fortnight and did not have it repaired, they have the authority to deny the claim. A reputable leak detection professional should inform you of this during your initial consultation. Protect Yourself If you don't want to get stuck holding the bill, it is always best to follow your policy to the letter. In most cases, that means you should document the discovery of the dripping with pictures and videos. Next, you must attempt to fix the plumbing problems, either on your own or with the help of a leak detection and repair professional. Unless the problem is minor, it is always best to contact an experienced repairperson. Not only should they be able to fix the problem in short order, but they can also explain the damage to the insurance adjuster if you decide to file a claim. When looking for leak detection, San Jose residents visit J Drains Rooter Service. Learn more at http://www.jdrains.com/
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