If a water damage emergency strikes, you’ll have so much on your plate that a complicated insurance filing process will be the last thing to cross your mind. To make sure that you go through these tough times without facing too many complications, you should have your trusted water damage repair professional in San Diego on speed dial.
Not only will they take care of your wet ceiling and do their best to prevent accelerated mold growth in the affected areas, but they will also be there to answer all your insurance-related questions and help you maximize your claim.
Let’s learn more about what your homeowners insurance policy covers and whom you should call to avoid having your claim denied.
What are the types of homeowners insurance policies?
Whether a certain case of water damage will be covered under your homeowner’s policy depends on a variety of factors, including the following:
- The type of your policy
- Whether you’re dealing with gradual, or accidental damage
- What the source of the damage is, and similar.
Before you purchase your homeowner’s insurance, you should familiarize yourself with different policy forms since they may have more or less limited coverage. For example, HO-1 and HO-2 policies will provide coverage for your dwelling on a named-peril basis, which means that they will only cover damage to your property that has been caused by one of the specific perils listed on the policy.
On the other hand, an HO-3 form provides coverage for your dwelling on an open-peril basis. That means that your dwelling is covered for all perils, with the exception to those that are listed as excluded. However, keep in mind that your personal property will still be covered on a named-peril basis, like in the case of HO-1 and HO-2 policy forms.
What type of water damage is covered by insurance?
The HO-3 policy form should cover the water damage under the following circumstances unless stated differently in one of the endorsements:
- Damages caused by a snowstorm or heavy rain
- Damage resulting from plumbing issues, such as freezing pipes, accidental overflow, and faulty plumbing)
- A leaking roof (the coverage wouldn’t apply to the roof, but the interior of the home exclusively)
- Vandalism
- Sudden cracking of air-conditioning or hot water heating systems, and similar.
However, to be on the safe side, you should always consult with the insurance experts and have them go through your policy to check if there are any specific exclusions and endorsements added that will impact the coverage.
You can also rely on your water restoration company to provide you with all the necessary information, advice on the insurance claim process, and help you get adequate compensation for the damage that your property has suffered.
When does homeowners insurance not cover water damage?
While the majority of policies provide coverage for sudden, accidental damage that happens instantaneously and unexpectedly, gradual damage will almost never be covered. If the reason behind the damage is a lack of maintenance or neglect on your part, you will be held liable for restoration costs.
These are a few other circumstances under which homeowners insurance won’t cover water damage:
- Flooding
- When the damage has been caused by groundwater
- In the case of sewer backups, etc.
Who are the best water damage restoration technicians in San Diego & the area?
If you need a trusted water damage repair company to help you with your insurance claim process and restore your property to its original state in the shortest possible time, call Risk Free Serv. Our comprehensive water damage and mold remediation services are available throughout the San Diego region.Whether you live in Oak Park, Kearny Mesa, or any of the surrounding neighborhoods, you may count on the prompt response of our highly-trained professionals at any time of the day or night. Feel free to browse our website for more information and request a free estimate at your convenience.