Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage from a Burst Pipe?

January 13, 2025

A pipe has burst and now you have water damage in your home. Your first question is likely: Does my home insurance cover the water damage?

Here’s what you need to know about home insurance and how it applies to burst pipes and water damage.

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Home insurance and coverage for burst pipes

Home insurance policies are designed to protect homeowners from unexpected events that cause damage to their property. When it comes to water damage from burst pipes, coverage largely depends on the circumstances that led to the incident.

Sudden and accidental damage

Most home insurance policies cover water damage caused by sudden and accidental events. If a pipe bursts unexpectedly and causes water damage, your policy will usually cover repairs to your home and personal belongings.

It’s important to note that while damage caused by water is typically covered, the cost to repair or replace the burst pipe itself may not be included. This is because pipe failure is often considered wear and tear, which is generally excluded from standard policies.

Lack of maintenance

Insurance providers expect homeowners to properly maintain their properties. If a burst pipe is caused by negligence or lack of maintenance — such as failing to repair a known issue or not keeping the home adequately heated during winter — home insurance coverage may be denied.

For example, ignoring a minor leak that eventually leads to a pipe bursting could result in a denied claim due to improper maintenance.

Preventive measures

To help ensure coverage under your home insurance policy, consider taking the following preventive steps:

• Regular maintenance: Inspect plumbing for wear, corrosion, or leaks and address issues promptly.
• Proper insulation: Insulate pipes in colder areas and keep your home adequately heated during winter.
• Monitor water pressure: Excessive pressure can strain pipes; pressure regulators can help.
• Install leak detection systems: Water sensors can alert you to leaks before major damage occurs.

Understanding home insurance policy exclusions

It’s important to understand common home insurance exclusions related to water damage:

• Gradual damage: Damage that develops over time from unresolved issues, such as slow leaks, is typically not covered.
• Flooding: Damage from external flooding usually requires separate overland flood insurance.
• Sewer backup: Sewer or drain backup damage is often excluded unless additional coverage is added.

Filing a claim for water damage

If you experience a burst pipe and resulting water damage, follow these steps to file a claim:

1. Document the damage: Take photos and record details of affected areas and belongings.
2. Contact your insurer promptly: Report the incident as soon as possible to start the claims process.
3. Mitigate further damage: Shut off the water supply and remove standing water where safe to do so.
4. Keep records: Save receipts for emergency repairs, cleanup, or temporary accommodations.

Review your home insurance policy

Every home insurance policy is different. Reviewing your policy helps you understand your coverage limits, exclusions, and responsibilities.

If you’re unsure about any part of your coverage, a home insurance expert can help clarify how your policy applies.

While home insurance can provide valuable protection against water damage from burst pipes, coverage depends on the cause of the damage and how well the property is maintained.