How to Get Water Damage Coverage with Homeowners Insurance
Many homeowners wrongly assume that a homeowners insurance policy provides protection against all forms of damage or disaster. However, you must take care to ensure that your home and your possessions receive the right protection against potential calamities. Water damage can occur through both internal and external sources. Therefore, insurance for water damage can be obtained in two ways: under a flood insurance policy or under a homeowners insurance policy.
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According to the Insurance Information Network of California, "water damage is considered to occur when water damages your home before the water comes in contact with the ground." Common causes are a leaking water heater or a busted indoor pipe. A homeowners insurance policy protects against this type of damage. Flood insurance covers damage from rising ground water entering the home from an external source. This type of coverage is typically of concern to property owners in a flood zone. These two types of insurance are independent of the other and must be pursued separately.
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Obtain homeowners insurance quotes. There are online sites that provide rankings of homeowners insurance companies based on several factors, such as customer satisfaction and price. You can use these rankings to narrow your preferences, then contact a few companies directly to obtain a quote. Indicate that you need water damage coverage included in your policy.
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Choose the policy that meets your needs. Once you have received a few quotes for homeowners policies that include water damage coverage, select the policy that provides a combination of price and coverage that works for you. Be sure that flood insurance is added to your homeowners insurance policy, if that type of protection is also needed for the property.
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Tips & Warnings
Your mortgage lender can tell you whether your home is in a flood zone, as lenders typically require that these dwellings are covered by flood insurance. Your property appraisal will also indicate whether your home is located in a flood zone.
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