Skip to main content

Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Homeowners insurance safeguards your home and personal belongings against a wide range of hazards, from extreme weather and fires, to vandalism and theft. For most perils, what’s covered will be easy to understand, but water damage can be more complicated. Depending on the source of your water problems, damage to your home and personal property may not be covered, so it’s important to read your policy carefully.

Key Takeaways

  • About one in 50 insured homes submits a water-related property damage claim each year.
  • Standard homeowners insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes, plumbing systems and appliance failures, and sudden appliance failures.
  • • Standard policies typically do not cover flood damage, groundwater seepage, sewer backups, sump pump failure, prolonged roof leaks, or damage from neglected maintenance.
  • The average flood claim in 2018 was over $42,580, with 20% of claims located outside high-risk flood zones. Separate flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.

According to research from the Insurance Information Institute (III), around one in 50 insured homes submits a water-related property damage claim each year. Whether caused by flooding, plumbing issues or excessive rainfall, you'll have a better idea of what to expect once you understand how insurance companies assess water damage. Does home insurance cover water damage? The answer often depends on how the damage started and whether it was sudden or gradual.

Quick takeaway: Questions regarding water damage and your homeowners insurance often come down to source and timing. Sudden and accidental damage may be covered, while flood damage, backup and long-term maintenance issues often require separate coverage or may be specifically excluded under your policy.

Homeowners insurance and water damage coverage

Standard homeowners insurance covers several types of water damage, most of which are considered sudden and accidental. For example, if a pipe in your basement were to leak unexpectedly, your home insurance would likely cover any resulting water damage. According to III, water that “comes from the top down,” such as wind-driven rain and ruptured sprinkler systems, is generally covered by standard homeowners policies. Water “coming from the bottom up,” including floods and sewage backups, isn’t covered unless the homeowner purchased a special rider or policy endorsement.

What types of water damage does insurance cover? In many cases, standard coverage focuses on sudden events, not preventable damage that built up over time.

What types of water damage are covered?

Some examples of water damage to the structure of your home typically covered under standard homeowners policies (HO-3) result from:

  • Burst pipes and plumbing fixtures
  • Wind-driven rain and hail
  • Roof leaks caused by falling objects
  • Appliances that leak suddenly (washing machines, dishwashers, etc.)

Does home insurance cover plumbing problems? Does home insurance cover roof leaks? The answer may be yes when the loss is sudden and caused by a covered peril. Coverage is less likely when damage results from wear and tear, neglect or unresolved maintenance issues.

If your water damage was caused by a sudden and accidental peril listed in your policy, the damages are likely to be covered. When you file a claim for water damage with your insurance company, an adjuster will inspect your home and determine if the source of the water damage was preventable. They’ll review their findings with you as well as your policy language to determine if the damage is covered.

Here's a quick overview of common water damage scenarios and whether they may be covered:

Water damage situationMay be covered?What to consider
Burst pipe or sudden plumbing breakOften yesCoverage may depend on whether the damage was sudden and accidental.
Roof leak caused by a covered eventOften yesDamage from a storm or falling object may be treated differently than long-term roof wear.
Long-term leak or neglected maintenanceOften noGradual damage is commonly excluded.
Flooding or water backupUsually not under a standard policyYou may need separate flood or backup-related coverage.

What types of water damage aren’t covered?

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover water damage caused by ground water, floods, or sewer overflow, nor does it protect against long-term, gradual leaks. Additionally, losses that result from neglect or maintenance issues wouldn’t qualify for reimbursement, which is why proactive home care is essential. Types of water damage that wouldn’t be covered under your base policy include:

  • Seasonal and flash flooding
  • Groundwater seepage
  • Poorly maintained plumbing and HVAC equipment
  • Sump pump overflow or failure
  • Prolonged roof leaks

Keep in mind that while only certain causes of water damage are covered under a base policy, you can sometimes purchase coverage for other causes. For example, while most insurance companies don’t offer protection for groundwater damage, you can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Some insurers also offer additional endorsements for water damage related to sump pump failures and water backup situations. Depending on where you live and the features of your home, it may be wise to extend your coverage to protect against these types of non-basic perils.

Learn more about water backup coverage, flood insurance, and how to prevent basement flooding and water damage.

How to file a water damage claim

Knowing which types of water damage are covered by your homeowners insurance will give you a better idea of what to expect if you file a claim following an incident. It’s important to contact your insurance carrier as quickly as possible to inform them of the damage. Most insurance experts recommend taking photos of the affected area and any personal items that were damaged, as this will help with the initial investigation. If the damage was caused by a burst pipe or sudden hole in your roof that requires you to make emergency repairs before your insurance representative can come inspect, be sure to take plenty of pictures of the source of the leak before it’s fixed.

Your insurance representative will ask specific questions about your claim to help determine if it’s covered by your homeowners policy and to estimate your losses. In some cases, you may need to call in a contractor to make immediate repairs to avoid further water damage. If you find yourself in this position, be sure to document any work completed on your home and keep all relevant receipts handy.

Some homeowners also hire a contractor to evaluate the water damage and quote their repair costs, which can be useful when speaking with your insurance representative. You’ll likely have to pay a deductible even if your losses are covered, so be sure to anticipate at least some out-of-pocket expenses.

When deciding if you should file a home insurance claim for water damage, think about the source of the loss, the extent of the damage and your deductible. It may also help to review how to file a home insurance claim and what to expect from a home insurance adjuster.

We can help protect your home from water damage

For over 100 years, Amica has helped families customize their homeowners insurance to match their specific needs and lifestyles. Our representatives understand that purchasing home insurance can be intimidating, which is why we’re committed to supporting our policyholders. If you’re concerned about water damage, we can help you understand what your policy covers and where it could be enhanced.

Alongside our standard home insurance, which protects against “sudden and accidental” water damage, we also offer a variety of extended coverage options that can safeguard your property from non-basic perils.

  • Flood insurance: Whether you live in a low-lying area or along the coast, flood insurance policies can help protect your home and personal belongings from sudden disasters. According to the III, the average flood claim in 2018 was upward of $42,580, with 20% of claims located outside of high-risk flood zones. Since standard homeowners insurance wouldn’t cover that type of water damage, the National Flood Insurance Program recommends that every homeowner purchase some kind of extended coverage.
  • Dwelling replacement coverage: Even if your water damage losses are covered under your standard homeowners insurance, some accidents lead to costly repairs and replacements that may exceed your policy limit. Purchasing dwelling replacement coverage can provide up to 30% additional reimbursement above your limit, ensuring you can fix up your home.
  • Scheduled items coverage: Water damage can also lead to the loss of valuable personal items including furniture, artwork and electronics. Most basic home insurance policies have a limit on the amount of coverage available for personal property damage. If you own items that are very valuable, it could be beneficial to insure these items specifically by scheduling them on your policy.

To learn more about water damage coverage and homeowners insurance, contact our representatives with your questions or concerns. If you’re an existing policyholder looking to report a water damage loss, you can submit a claim online or reach out to a representative at 800-242-6422.

Get a home insurance quote today

or call 800-242-6422

FAQs about home insurance and water damage

It may, if the water damage was sudden and accidental and resulted from a covered peril. Standard homeowners insurance often does not cover flood damage, water backup or gradual leaks.

It may cover water damage caused by a sudden plumbing failure, such as a burst pipe. It usually does not cover damage caused by long-term wear, neglect or unresolved maintenance problems.

Sometimes. If a roof leak is caused by a covered event, such as wind or a falling object, the resulting damage may be covered. Leaks caused by age or lack of maintenance are often excluded.

If you notice water damage in your home, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurer can assess the damage, help determine if coverage applies and guide you through the next steps. They’re there to help you understand your options, even if you're unsure whether the damage is covered or whether filing a claim makes sense.

Homeowners insurance often covers sudden and accidental water damage from events like sudden, wind-driven rain weather events and appliance failures. Flooding, backup and gradual leaks are commonly handled differently or excluded.

Also of Interest

[1] Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and Renters Insurance, Insurance Information Institute.

[2] How to Protect Your Home From Water Damage, Insurance Information Institute.

[3] Homeowners Insurance Basics, Insurance Information Institute.

[4] Facts + Statistics: Flood Insurance, Insurance Information Institute.

Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.

This inclusion of non-Amica companies, products, services or statement herein (“Third-Party Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Amica Insurance. Policies, views, opinions or positions of Third-Party Content expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies, views, opinions or positions of Amica Insurance. Amica Insurance makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and reliability of Third-Party Content.

This content may contain helpful tips, explanation and advice. Your use of this information is voluntary and may not be effective in every circumstance. Amica encourages you to use good judgment and put safety first.

For more information on our editorial process and content standards, take a look at our editorial guidelines.

AMIC-17-070228

Getting your quote has never been easier.

Let’s see what’s available in your area.

or call 800-242-6422