Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

What water damage does homeowners insurance usually cover?

• Burst pipes, including frozen pipes, as long as you keep the home properly heated (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner)
• Appliance failures, like a washing machine supply hose that suddenly breaks (Allstate)
• Overflowing toilets and other sudden plumbing discharges (Nationwide)
• Rain that gets in through storm damage, like wind tearing an opening in the roof (Insurance.com)

What water damage is usually not covered?

• Flood. No type of flood damage is covered by standard homeowners policies, whatever the source of the water (Allstate). That takes a separate flood policy.
• Slow leaks and seepage. Damage from slow leaks, repeated seepage, or ongoing moisture is usually excluded (GEICO).
• Sewer and drain backups. These are not covered by a typical homeowners policy or by flood insurance. The coverage comes from an endorsement or a separate product, usually at a modest cost (Insurance Information Institute).
• Groundwater seeping through the foundation (Amica).
• The broken part itself. The policy generally pays for the damage the water caused, not for fixing the pipe (NerdWallet).

Does homeowners insurance cover burst pipes?

A pipe that suddenly bursts is the textbook covered claim. The policy typically pays to dry and repair the walls, floors, and belongings the water damaged, minus your deductible. It usually does not pay the plumber to replace the failed pipe (NerdWallet).

Frozen pipes are usually covered as long as the home was properly heated (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner). A vacant or unheated house is where frozen-pipe claims run into trouble. See frozen and burst pipes for what to do when one goes.

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding from rain?

The Insurance Information Institute's rule of thumb: water that comes from the top down, like rainfall, is covered by a standard homeowners policy. Water that comes from the bottom up, like an overflowing river, is covered by a separate flood policy (Insurance Information Institute). In practice:

• Rain through a roof or wall damaged by a storm: usually covered.
• Surface water or runoff coming in at ground level: flood, so it needs a flood policy.
• Water seeping through basement walls or the floor: usually excluded as seepage.
• Sump pump overflow: needs a water backup endorsement.
• A roof that leaks because it was worn out: often denied as maintenance.

Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood policies are sold through the National Flood Insurance Program, run by FEMA, and private insurers (FEMA). A new NFIP policy usually takes effect 30 days after purchase, so it cannot be bought the day before a storm (FloodSmart). See water in the basement after rain.

How do you check what your policy covers?

1. Find your declarations page. It is usually the first pages of the policy or in your insurer's app. It lists your coverages, limits, deductible, and any endorsements you have added.
2. Look for water endorsements. Names vary: "water backup," "sewer or drain backup," or "sump pump discharge or overflow." If none is listed, you probably do not have that coverage.
3. Read the exclusions. Search the policy for "water," "flood," "surface water," "seepage," "continuous or repeated," and "backup."
4. Check the limits. Water backup endorsements often carry their own dollar limit, separate from the main dwelling limit.
5. Check the deductible. Some policies have a separate deductible for certain water losses.
6. Confirm whether you have flood insurance. It is a separate policy, so it will not appear in your homeowners documents.

What should you ask your insurance agent?

• If a pipe bursts, what is covered and what is my deductible?
• Do I have water backup or sump pump overflow coverage? What is the limit?
• How does my policy treat water that comes into the basement during heavy rain?
• Does my policy pay for emergency water removal and drying before the adjuster visits?
• Do I need flood insurance where I live, and what would it cost?

Ask for the answers in writing, or note the date and the person you spoke with.

How do you file a water damage claim?

• Stop the water and take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. Insurers usually expect quick reporting and expect you to follow their recommendations for fixing the leak (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner).
• Photograph and video everything before cleanup starts, including the source.
• Write down the claim number and the adjuster's name and contact information.
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs, water removal, and any hotel stays.
• Keep damaged items until the adjuster has seen them or approved disposal.

Georgia homeowners can see Georgia insurance basics for state claim rules.

Common questions

Related guides

• Frozen and burst pipes 6 min
• Water in the basement after rain 6 min
• Who to call for water damage 5 min