Does California Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Water damage is one of the most common reasons to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. Such claims are often worth thousands of dollars, and it typically takes several days to dry out a home, remediate mold growth, and make the space livable again. This information may have you wondering—does California homeowner’s insurance cover water damage? The answer depends on the source of the water damage.

What Types of Water Damage Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover?

While you should review your policy to be certain, the following sources of water damage are usually covered:

• Sudden indoor sources of water damage: Burst pipes and sudden leaks are the most commonly covered type of water damage.
• Some external sources of water damage: Homeowner’s insurance typically covers damage from rain entering a broken window or hole in the roof—provided that these problems were caused by a peril listed in your policy.

What Expenses Does a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover?

If your home suffers water damage, here’s how your insurance provider should help you recover:

• Personal property loss: Your insurance should reimburse you for the cost to restore or replace damaged belongings. Check your personal property coverage to see if you have a replacement cost or actual cash value policy.
• Home repairs: Expect your policy to cover the cost to repair structural damage.
• Mold remediation: As soon as you find a water leak, do what you can to clean it up and prevent mold growth. If mold is caused by a covered peril, your insurance should cover the cost to clean it up.
• Additional living expenses: If you need to move out while your home is repaired, your food and shelter costs should be covered.

What Types of Water Damage Are Not Covered?

Don’t expect standard homeowner’s insurance to cover any of the following:

• Flooding: In the insurance industry, flood damage is considered different from water damage.
• Water backups: If water flows from an outside drain or sewer into your home, the resulting damage won’t be covered.
• Gradual, preventable water damage: Standard California policies cover “sudden and accidental discharge of water or steam.” The keyword here is “sudden.” Slow leaks that go undetected for a long time can cause plenty of damage, but they usually aren’t covered.

Consider Buying Additional Insurance Coverage

For peace of mind, you may want to supplement your homeowner’s insurance policy with this additional coverage:

• Water backup coverage: This endorsement can be added to your existing policy to cover sewer and sump pump backups.
• Flood insurance: This is completely separate insurance that protects against “an excess of water on land that is normally dry.”

No matter what type of water damage has affected your home, Pacific Flood Restoration can help you recover. If you have insurance, we’ll work with your provider on your behalf for a simple, straightforward claim. Contact us today at 832-294-5462 to schedule water damage restoration or mold remediation in San Diego.