5 Things You Need to Know About Insurance and Flooding

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Flood can cause a lot of damage to your Reading, PA home

When there is a flood in your home in Reading, PA, one of the first things you should do is call your insurance provider. Making this call can help you figure out if the damage done to your house is covered by your policy. Many water restoration professionals work side-by-side with insurance providers to help you through your claim when you can make one. While every policy may be different, here are a few flooding insurance basics that you should know.

1. Damaged caused by broken pipes is usually covered.

If you wake up to a burst pipe in your master bathroom, chances are the water damaged caused will be covered by your normal homeowner's policy. When an unforeseen event results in a burst pipe, you're covered.

2. Subsequent damage is covered

Initially, a flood may damage your walls and insulation, but as the water spreads it starts to ruin carpet, paint and furnishings. If you have coverage, it will help pay for much of the subsequent damage to ensure you can return your house to normal.

3. The plumbing bill may come to you

Even though your insurance is going to help pay for the restoration, it may not cover the fees to fix the actual leaking pipe. Because plumbing falls under normal home maintenance, your plan may not cover it.

4. Leaking pipes need to be addressed right away

If, however, you knew there was a small leak in your plumbing, but you chose to ignore it, the damage caused may not be covered. You're expected to fix a broken pipe if you know about it.
5. Rising water requires a special policy. If heavy rains send water surging into your basement, you may need to look closely at your insurance coverage. Most homeowner's policies won't cover this type of damage.

A flood can cause a lot of damage to your house. Thankfully, your homeowner's policy and other insurance plans can help you pay for the restoration process.