Florida may be known as the Sunshine State, but we Floridians know that the potential for heavy storms can appear with the snap of a finger. It can be scary to think about what could happen if your home and belongings sustain water damage during a tropical storm or hurricane, but did you know not all forms of water damage are covered by your homeowner’s insurance? Here at Your Insurance Attorney, we know that a water damage insurance policy can be tricky to understand, so we’d like to break it down for you. Everyone in Florida should have a clear grasp on what is and isn’t covered by different forms of insurance. In the event that you need legal help from Maimi-Dade County to Coconut Grove, Your Insurance Attorney can send you an insurance claims adjuster to help.
What’s Not Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance
Water damage can be devastating, but homeowner’s insurance alone may not be enough to cover your damage depending on the situation. Here’s some information on what you might not know about your current policy:
- Flood Damage
- Did you know that flood damage isn’t covered by homeowner’s insurance? Flood damage is classified specifically as water damage originating from a water source that comes from outside the home, like an overflowing river. This does not apply to a flooded kitchen from a burst pipe. What it does mean, though, is that if you live in a flood zone, you’ll want to be extra careful to have flood insurance ready in the event that water levels rise. During a flood, water can cause a lot of damage, pushing its way through your home and finding its way into all kinds of sensitive nooks and crannies. This can destroy electrical systems in your home as well.
- Gradual Water Damage
- Gradual water damage is damage as a result of erosion, or the friction caused by water over a long period of time. It may sound like something that couldn’t possibly affect your home, but you’d be surprised. In the event of a flood or heavy storm, there’s the possibility that water could find itself into hidden nooks and crannies in your home. If that happens, the water can sit there for long periods of time, which can cause damage that’s highly expensive to fix. Homeowner’s insurance is designed for sudden, accidental damage, not prolonged damage. Because of this, it’s important to have your home inspected for potential leaks and water damage at least every few months.
- Faulty Repair/Lack of Repair
- In the event of a faulty repair job, or the neglect of repair on something like pipes or plumbing, you could end up flooding your home. In situations like these, it’s possible that your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover the damages, as they may claim negligence. For this reason, it’s a good idea to leave potential plumbing problems up to the professions.
Talking With Your Insurance Claims Adjuster About Your Water Damage Insurance Policy
If you have homeowner’s insurance, it’s a good idea to go over your water damage insurance policy with your insurance claims adjuster to be aware of what your policy does and doesn’t cover. Combing through the details of your policy can lead to a valuable collection of knowledge that may prepare you for an unexpected form of water damage. If you or someone you know are having a hard time getting your insurance company to properly compensate you after your home has endured water damage, Your Insurance Attorney may be able to help. Contact us today if you live in Miami-Dade County or near Coconut Grove to get more information on how we can help you receive compensation with your insurance policy.
