Water damage coverage is the part of a homeowners insurance policy that pays for sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe or a failed water heater. It is not a separate policy. It usually does not include flooding, sewer backups without an add-on, or damage from slow leaks and poor maintenance.
How it fits into your policy
A standard homeowners policy is split into parts, and a water loss can touch several of them:
| Coverage part | What it pays for in a water loss |
|---|---|
| Dwelling | Walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets and built-ins |
| Personal property | Furniture, clothing, electronics and other belongings |
| Loss of use | Extra living costs if the home is unlivable during repairs |
| Liability | In some cases, damage your water causes to a neighbor's property |
Sudden versus gradual
The key test is how the damage happened. Insurers usually cover water damage that is sudden and accidental, such as a supply line that bursts. They usually exclude damage that built up over time, such as a slow leak under a sink or a roof leak that went unrepaired for months. A long-running slab leak can fall into a gray area, so how quickly you report and stop it matters.
Deductibles and limits
You pay your deductible before coverage starts. Some policies also cap specific items, such as mold cleanup, at a set dollar amount. Read the water and mold sections of your policy before you need them.
Common add-ons
- Water or sewer backup endorsement. Covers water that backs up through drains and sewer lines, which basic policies often exclude.
- Service line coverage. Covers buried water and sewer lines on your property.
- Higher mold limits. Raises the cap on mold remediation.
Flood insurance is separate
Ready.gov is direct about it: homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flooding. Flood coverage comes from the National Flood Insurance Program or private flood insurers, and a new policy typically takes up to 30 days to take effect. Monsoon runoff makes that worth considering in much of Arizona, including areas like Phoenix and Tucson.
How to protect a claim
- Stop the water and prevent more damage.
- Photograph everything before cleanup.
- Report the claim promptly.
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs and services.
- Get a written, itemized estimate from a restoration company.
For help drying and documenting a loss, call our water damage restoration team. For a scenario-by-scenario list, see what water damage homeowners insurance covers.