Difference Between Flood Insurance and Water Damage

Posted March 14, 2017

Insurance companies are there to help make sure that your home is covered in case of damage. One thing that is very confusing to some policyholders is the difference between types of insurances. If your home sustained water damage in a flood, then you might think that your regular homeowner’s policy would cover any of the damages that happened as a result of the flood. Well, it doesn’t.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance does not cover any damage to your home that is caused by flood waters. Rather it would cover what is considered standard water damage. This includes:

• Appliance defects including those from water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, ice machines
• Broken pipes or hoses as long as it is not a result of negligence
• Damage caused by some storms including rainwater, wind damage, melting snow, hail, and even tornado

Poor Maintenance

Poorly maintained homes will not be subject to coverage by insurance companies. For example, if you never clean out your gutters and suffer water damage from water seeping into your home, then it will not be covered by your homeowner’s policy. Likewise, if you do not maintain your sewer system and experience water damage from a backed up system, then you will not receive coverage either.

Flood Insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program underwrites a standard flood insurance policy that would cover any damage to your home caused by a flood. This covers any water that touched the ground before it entered into your home. It is not a standard policy and will not cover all areas. If you live in a pre-determined flood zone, it may be a struggle to get policy coverage.

Oklahoma Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers

The Bennett Law Firm works to make sure that homeowners know the difference between types of insurance coverage so you can get the best coverage you need to protect your home, your assets and your family.