Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing Repairs

Fortunately, many homeowners have the option of filing an insurance claim to cover damages from broken pipes. While homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover normal wear and tear of plumbing systems, it may help pay for damage caused by sudden accidents, like a pipe burst. The policy’s dwelling coverage section usually covers damage to the property, while additional living expense (ALE) coverage helps pay for a hotel, food and other expenses if you have to leave home while your plumbing is fixed.

However, it’s important to note that many homeowners insurance policies exclude damage that occurs over a period of time or from negligence. This means that insurance generally won’t cover the cost of a plumber to fix your toilet that leaks every time you flush it, or the costs to replace older pipes that are starting to corrode. If you want your insurance to pay for these kinds of costs, you’ll likely need to get an endorsement or add-on to the policy, which can increase your premiums.

It’s also worth noting that your homeowners insurance won’t generally cover flood damage, either, unless you’ve added separate flood coverage to your policy. This type of insurance is a good idea for anyone who lives in an area that’s prone to flooding.

Most standard homeowners policies include coverage for damage to the plumbing repair system, furniture and other personal belongings from sudden accidents. For example, if your basement fills up with water after a pipe bursts in the kitchen, your insurance should pay to replace your belongings. This includes items like rugs, electronics and books that might be damaged by water. It’s worth noting, though, that you’ll need to have a high enough deductible set aside to cover your portion of the loss before your insurer pays anything.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing Repairs?

You can lower your homeowners insurance premiums by practicing routine maintenance on your home’s plumbing systems. This will reduce the chance of a sudden accident causing major damage. Regularly clean drains with baking soda and vinegar to prevent clogs, and consider replacing your old pipes if they’re starting to corrode.

While a pipe can burst unexpectedly, you can usually reduce your chances of needing to file an insurance claim by taking care of your pipes before they cause a problem. For instance, you can avoid frozen pipes by keeping your home at a temperature above freezing and insulating your pipes.

You can also keep your pipes in good condition by regularly cleaning out your drains and septic tank, as well as replacing any worn washers or dryers. And, as your appliances age, consider getting replacements that are more energy-efficient to cut down on the risk of them leaking or breaking down. This can save you money on your energy bills and help you save on repair costs for the future. Finally, make sure to talk with your agent before adding an endorsement or add-on that might raise your home insurance rates.