“Homeowners Insurance For Water Damage And Leaks - Forbes” plus 1 more

Homeowners Insurance For Water Damage And Leaks - Forbes

Posted: 06 Jul 2020 12:00 AM PDT

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Homeowners Insurance For Water Damage And Leaks

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If you're a homeowner, water is one of the biggest threats to your house and personal belongings. Your house has an intricate network of plumbing and a burst pipe could lead to both major headaches and expensive repair bills. Not to mention other water problems, like a heavy storm, a deep freeze or even a busted hose on a dishwasher.

It seems your home is always moments away from getting soaked.

Water damage (including damage from freezing) is one of the most common and most costly types of homeowners insurance claims. Every year, about one in 50 homeowners will file a water damage or freezing claim, accounting for almost 24% of all homeowners insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The average cost of a water damage or freezing claim is about $10,900.

While you shouldn't spend your days worrying about the next big rain storm or a leaky joint somewhere in your plumbing, you can take some preventive measures and be aware of what types of water damage your homeowners insurance covers.

Average Homeowners Insurance Claim Amounts

What Type of Water Damage is Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Generally, water damage that is considered "sudden and accidental" is covered (like a burst pipe) but not gradual damage, like a leaking bathroom sink. And flooding is not covered, such as flood from storm surge during a hurricane.

Water damage covered by homeowners insurance typically includes:

Burst pipes. This might include a frozen pipe that bursts, but not if you neglected to keep the home properly heated.
Accidental leaks, such as leaking plumbing or an appliance leak, like a broken washing machine or dishwasher.
Water damage after a fire from water used to extinguish the flames, such as water from a sprinkler system or a hose from the fire department.
Water damage from a roof leak such as damage from a storm or a tree that falls on your roof. Keep in mind, if an accident (like a fallen tree) damages your roof, you'll be required to fix the damage in a reasonable amount of time. Failure to do so could result in further water damage that won't be covered.
Water damage from storms such as heavy rain or hail.

What Type of Water Damage is Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Here are some common problems that are typically not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy:

Water damage due to lack of maintenance or negligence, such as not repairing a plumbing problem or failing to keep the heat on during freezing temperatures.
Water damage from intentional acts, like setting a fire to your home or purposely turning off the heat during the winter.
Water damage from "earth movement" like an earthquake, landslide or mudslide. For example, if your pipe burst because of an earthquake, the water damage most likely won't be covered. If you want coverage for earthquake damage, you'll need to buy a separate earthquake insurance policy.
Water damage due to floods, hurricanes and tsunamis. Flood damage and tsunami damage are excluded from standard home insurance policies. If you want coverage for floods, you'll need to buy a separate flood insurance policy.
Water damage that backs up through a sewer or drain. (Unless you have purchased special coverage for this problem.)
Water damage from leaks from a swimming pool or other structures.
Water damage from seepage or leaks through a foundation.
The cost to repair or replace the source of the water damage, like fixing a broken dishwasher or washing machine.
Water damage from a sump pump failure or related equipment. You may want to consider sump and water backup coverage for those types of problems.

How Can I Protect My Home From Water Damage?

One of the best ways to protect a home from water damage is by taking some preventative measures. Keeping up with routine maintenance and making prompt repairs is key. Remember, homeowners insurance covers water damage that is "sudden and accidental" but not gradual problems or maintenance issues. If you have a problem like a leaky faucet, it's best to take care of it as soon as possible.

Here are other steps you can take:

Drain water heaters twice a year to help prevent sediment buildup.
Install smart water leak detectors that will send an alert to your phone or email. (Some detectors can automatically shut off the water to prevent damage). In a LexisNexis study of 2,306 U.S. homes that installed a Flo by Moen water leak detector, water-related claims went down by 96% compared to the two years prior to installation.
Inspect hoses going to and from washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and refrigerators. Repair or replace any damaged hoses if necessary.
Inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs, such as replacing missing, rotten or damaged shingles. It's also a good idea to clean out your roof gutters. Clogged gutters can overflow and allow water to pool near a home's foundation, which could seep into your basement.
Prevent frozen pipes if you live in an area that has extreme cold temperatures. Keep your heat set to at least 50 degrees and consider other precautions, like wrapping pipes with insulation. Read more about preventing and thawing frozen pipes from the American Red Cross.

Water Damage Insurance FAQs

How do I file an insurance claim for water damage?

If you discover water damage, it's a good idea to take pictures of the area and contact your homeowners insurance company as soon as possible. If the water damage is covered by your insurance policy, you'll be responsible for paying a deductible, which is the amount you'll pay out of pocket.

Keep in mind, water damage from certain types of events, like tsunamis, floods, sewer backups and leaks from swimming pools are typically not covered. Read more about what homeowners insurance covers.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from floods?

Homeowners insurance generally excludes water damage from floods. You'll have to buy a flood insurance policy if you want coverage for flood damage. You can purchase a FEMA flood insurance policy, or buy one from a private flood insurance company.

Does homeowners insurance cover removal of mold that was caused by water damage?

Homeowners insurance generally covers mold caused by water damage if the water problem was covered by the policy, such as a burst pipe.

Homeowners insurance won't cover mold caused by water damage from other issues such as lack of maintenance, leaks from swimming pools, floods and earthquakes.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from hurricanes?

Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from hurricanes such as rain that gets in through storm roof damage (unless your policy has a "roof exclusion"), but not water damage from rising flood water or storm surges. You'll need a flood insurance policy to cover flood damage.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, here are some steps you can take to prepare for the hurricane season.

MAYOR WALSH DECLARES SNOW EMERGENCY, PARKING BAN IN EFFECT MONDAY AT NOON - Charlestown Patriot Bridge

Posted: 31 Jan 2021 07:37 PM PST

Residents urged to take caution and abide by snow regulations; some COVID-19 testing sites to close; Boston Public School buildings to close tomorrow and Tuesday; students will attend classes online with an early dismissal each day

Mayor Martin J. Walsh on Sunday declared a snow emergency ahead of the forecasted winter storm that is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning and end Tuesday afternoon. Total snow accumulations are expected to range between 8 to 12 inches, and winds as high as 45 mph are expected. Residents are advised that a parking ban will take effect starting at noon tomorrow, when vehicles parked on major roads and main arteries will start to be towed. The City is urging residents to abide by snow regulations and encouraging all commuters to use caution when traveling during the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Dry weather, paired with colder temperatures and wind chill, are anticipated on Wednesday and Thursday following the storm.

"I am urging everyone to be ready and prepared for tomorrow's forecasted snowstorm," said Mayor Walsh. "All of our residents and workers should take precautions on our roads and sidewalks, particularly during the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Our Public Works Department will be working around the clock to pre-treat and clean our roads, and I thank them for their hard work. We are asking residents and businesses to do their part by staying safe, shoveling their sidewalks and walkways, clearing catch basins and the area around fire hydrants, and by offering help to your older neighbors and residents with disabilities. The City of Boston will continue to share updates throughout the storm."
A snow emergency has been declared, starting Monday, February 1, 2021 at noon. A parking ban will also take effect at noon tomorrow. All vehicles parked on a posted snow emergency artery will be towed beginning at noon on Monday. Residents can find a list of free and discounted garages here; and parking at participating garages will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday.
Trash and recycling pick-up will continue on a regular schedule on Monday, February 1st and Tuesday, February 2nd. Residents are encouraged to download the Trash Day App for more information on their trash and recycling pick-up schedule.
Nighttime street sweeping on main roads, arterials, and commercial roads is canceled until further notice. Updates will be provided on boston.gov when nighttime street sweeping is scheduled to resume.
All Boston Public Schools (BPS) students, including students who were scheduled to report for in-person learning, will attend classes online on both Monday and Tuesday for a partial day that will end 2.5 hours earlier than the regularly scheduled dismissal time. There will be no in-person learning on Monday and Tuesday, and all BPS buildings will be closed on those days.
In-person learning will resume on Thursday, February 4, 2021.
As indicated in signage posted in BPS school parking lots, parking is not allowed in these lots during snowstorms. Vehicles may be towed if they are parked in BPS parking lots during the snow emergency.
BPS meal distribution sites will be open on Monday, February 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BYCF) meal sites will be closed on Monday. Residents are encouraged to check with their non-BPS meal sites for hours.
The City-sponsored mobile COVID-19 testing site at the Anna M. Cole Community Center in Jamaica Plain will be closed on Monday. For other updates on testing site availability and closures, please check hours of operation here.
The City-sponsored COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College is opening as scheduled on Monday, February 1st and Tuesday, February 2nd for people with appointments.
Boston City Hall will be open to the public on Monday, February 1st only for residents who need to pay their property taxes or file an abatement application by the February 1st deadline. Boston City Hall and all City departments will be open to the public on Tuesday, February 2nd. We encourage residents to utilize our online services when possible. Boston Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, including in-person BPL To Go services. All BCYF community centers will be closed, remote programming will continue and registered lap swim sessions will be cancelled from 12 p.m. on.

The Public Works Department (PWD) will have equipment to pre-treat Boston's roads prior to the snowfall starting, and the City has the ability to put over 700 pieces of equipment on city streets. The PWD currently has 42,000 tons of salt on hand.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in constant contact with the National Weather Service to receive detailed forecast updates for the City of Boston and to ensure City departments have plans in place to handle the weather. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston notifications by phone, text, or email. Residents can call 311 for non-emergency issues.

Rules on clearing snow:
Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property.
Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.
Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here.
Caring for vulnerable populations:
If you see homeless or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather, please call 911.
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter.
Boston's emergency shelters are open 24-hours a day and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City work closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.
The City has over 200 beds for the winter spread throughout sites in Brighton, Mission Hill and downtown. Additionally, the City worked with the Commonwealth to add additional shelter capacity in locations surrounding and outside of Boston.
The BPHC Engagement Center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition to providing an indoor heated space, it offers a range of basic amenities and comfort items, such as clean bathroom facilities, water, coffee, and light snacks.
During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day.
Safety tips:
Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency.
Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly.
Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow.
Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders, and be mindful of slippery surfaces.
Dress for the weather:
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to wear face masks or cloth face coverings in all public places, whether indoors or outdoors, even where they are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.
Always wear a hat, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Dress children warmly, and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.
Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watch for signs of frostbite:
Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia:
These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911.
Heating safety:
Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.
Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.
Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, and it is poisonous and potentially deadly.
Emergency home repair resources:
Income-eligible homeowners and Boston's residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).
In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand new heating system before a catastrophic failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.

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