Whether it was caused by a burst pipe or a toilet backup, water damage is one of the worst situations a homeowner can experience. Not only can water damage your possessions and house’s structural integrity, but it could also lead to a mold infestation.
So, you might be surprised to hear that your flood insurance probably won’t cover any damages caused by broken pipes or clogged toilets.
But why? Isn’t that why you have flood insurance in the first place?
The fact of the matter is, water damage and floods are two entirely different beasts. When it comes to insurance claims, it’s important that homeowners are able to tell them apart.
The water damage restoration experts at Save the Day Restoration are here to help. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about flooding vs. water damage.
What Are Floods?
The National Flood Insurance Program defines a flood as “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:
- Overflow of inland or tidal waters
- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
- Mudflow
- Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or a similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.”
To put it simply, floods are caused by water that originates from a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or severe rainstorm, that affects two or more acres of land that would otherwise be normally dry.
What is Water Damage?
Unlike floods, water damage is typically caused by internal issues within your home. These can include:
- Burst pipes
- Overflowing toilets
- Shower or bathtub leaks
- Automatic fire systems
- Freezer or fridge leaks
- Dishwasher leaks
- Washing machine leaks
- Roof leaks
- HVAC systems not properly draining
The main difference between water damage and floods is that while the latter comes from a source inside your home, a flood comes from a natural source and causes damage on a much larger scale.
What Does This Mean for Your Property Damage Claim?
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding and don’t have flood insurance, you will probably have to pay for any damages caused by the flood out of your own pocket. To get coverage, you’ll need to add a rider to your existing homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s important to pay close attention to any and all exclusions or clauses in your policy.
If your home suffered from water damage, your homeowner’s policy will probably cover the related damages. However, if the damage was the result of a maintenance issue that your insurance company believes should have been quickly addressed, it may be hesitant to cover the cost of the damage.
What You Should Do After Discovering Water Damage in Your Home
If you discover water damage in your house, it’s important to act fast. Three immediate steps you should take after noticing any signs of water damage include:
- Identify the source of the problem
- Notify your homeowners’ insurance
- Call a water damage restoration company within 24 hours
When water damage strikes, it’s essential to act fast. If you wait too long, you could end up with even bigger problems on your hands. That’s because water damage can promote the growth and spread of mold.
Los Angeles’ Go-To Water Damage Restoration Company
If your home has water damage, call the specialists at Save the Day Restoration now. For over 15 years, we’ve provided 24/7 emergency services to homeowners across the Greater Los Angeles area. We also specialize in mold remediation and fire damage restoration.
To learn more, contact us 24/7 by calling (562) 372-6790.
