Water Damage Insurance Help — FlameWave Restoration

Your policy wording and your insurer decide

Whether water damage is covered depends on your own homeowners insurance policy and on what caused the damage. No two policies are exactly alike. Read your policy, and check with your insurer or your insurance agent before you make decisions about a claim.

What is usually covered

Sudden and accidental water damage is usually covered by a standard homeowners policy. Examples include a pipe that bursts suddenly, a water heater that fails without warning, or a washing machine hose that breaks.

What is usually not covered

Damage from a slow leak that went on for weeks or months is usually not covered. Insurers generally treat long-term leaks and lack of maintenance as the homeowner’s responsibility. Damage that builds up slowly over time is also usually not covered.

Rising flood water needs a separate flood policy

Water that rises from outside — for example, from heavy rain flooding, a storm surge, or high tides along the bay — is flood damage. A standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. Flood damage needs a separate flood insurance policy. In Newport Beach, homes near the bay, on Balboa Island, and along the Balboa Peninsula can be at risk from high tides and storm water, so it is worth checking whether you have flood cover.

Document everything

Good records help your claim. Take photos and videos of the damage before anything is moved or cleaned up. Note the date and time you found the damage. Keep a list of damaged items. If a provider takes moisture readings at your property, keep a copy of those readings. Keep receipts for any work done and any costs you pay.

Work with your adjuster

Your insurer will assign an adjuster to your claim. Share your photos, your list of damaged items, and your moisture readings with the adjuster. Answer their questions and follow the steps they ask for. A contractor may not act as a public adjuster or advertise to adjust claims on your behalf.

First steps after water damage

  • Stop the water if you can do it safely.
  • Take photos before cleanup begins.
  • Call (949) 555-0100 so we can connect you with an independent local provider.
  • Tell your insurer what happened, and ask what your policy covers.

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