What is the Difference Between Water Damage and Flood Insurance?
Insurance policies are different with every carrier, and some do not include broad water coverage terminology. Review your current policy or ask your agent about the coverage you feel is most important. It is important to note that you may be grandfathered into coverage that no longer exists on newer Texas policy forms or quotes. Do not be lured by price alone. Before deciding on a new home quote or policy, be sure to ask about and compare underlying coverage.
Some first-time home buyers and many seasoned homeowners may feel “lost at sea” when it comes to choosing the right coverage for water damage. That confusion can be exasperating and costly for clients in the event of a loss, which means asking for your insurance broker’s recommendation at the time of purchase is critical.
How is water damage defined in an insurance policy?
Sudden and Accidental Damage
Coverage for a sudden accidental explosion of water that originates from inside the home. For example a burst pipe, water heater, or dishwasher hose abruptly breaks open spilling water onto the floor will likely be covered. Most policies may cover sudden and accidental bursts, but not slow leaks.
Seepage or Leakage Coverage
Accidental continuous seeps or leaks of water within a household appliance, plumbing, or air condition system may not be covered especially if not discovered in a reasonable amount of time. Example. A pipe behind the wall begins a slow leak or begins while away from home traveling and is not discovered in a reasonable amount of time. A “reasonable amount of time” is defined in your policy documents. Depending on your policy terms exclude seepage and leakage altogether. Water seepage or leakage could cover the cost of tearing out and replacing any part of a building necessary to repair the system or appliance where the leak began, including direct coverage for fungi.
Water Back up
Coverage for sewer backups is generally not included in standard policies but can often be added with an endorsement. Coverage for damage from water backing up into the home or from off the property due to clogged blockages causing overflow of sink or toilet. For example water backups into the bathtub because of blockage in the city sewer line or after a heavy rainfall. This is an important endorsement to ask your agent to add to your policy.
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Service Line Coverage
Coverage for physical loss or damage to the covered service line between the residence premises that is the dire result of service line failure. For example the water line in your yard between the city property (curb) and the home ruptures. As plumbing ages, decay may go undetected until a small leak causes severe damage to the surrounding
Storm-Related Water Damage
Water damage from rain entering through a damaged roof or window due to windstorms, hail, or hurricanes is typically covered. However, if the water enters due to poor maintenance, wear and tear, or pre-existing damage, it may not be covered.
Flood Damage
Standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. This includes damage from overflowing rivers, heavy rains, storm surges, and temporary rising water.
Do you know what your base home policy covers?
Britton and Britton Insurance Agency communicate in a friendly, informative, and accessible tone for Texas homeowners. They emphasize personalized service and the benefits of working with an independent insurance agent who advocates for clients. The blog covers practical insurance topics, addressing common concerns about home insurance, weather-related risks, and the importance of adequate coverage. Your agent reviews and compares quotes with different insurance companies at your request
Descriptions of insurance products and packages are meant to offer general ideas only, are necessarily brief, and are subject to policy provisions, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and conditions that can only be expressed in the policy itself. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of your policy prevail. This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that we are not providing advice or any other professional services. We shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage alleged to have been caused, by the use of this information.
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