The effects of water damage are not only detrimental to your commercial property, but also to the health of your employees and any other occupants. It must be documented and dealt with immediately and properly.
Water damage and flood damage are often thought of as the same event or peril. In fact, they can be completely different with one being covered and one excluded under common property insurance policies. Be careful of the terminology you use with your insurance company when you call in your claim.
Homeowners insurance protects your house against unexpected losses. Generally, homeowners insurance will cover plumbing and leaks. However, it will not cover certain maintenance-related issues or flooding. Today, we’re explaining everything you need to know about how homeowners insurance covers plumbing and appliance leaks, including what’s covered, what isn’t covered, and how to maximize your insurance
There are 6 main causes of water damage, in particular, that should be acknowledged among homeowners, in efforts to prevent them as much as possible. Keep reading to find out what the risks are and whether or not they are typically recognized by the average insurance policy.
Storms are among the most highly recognized causes of water damage in homes. Those who live in areas that are prone to natural disasters are increasingly aware of the associated risks and are advised to seek out a corresponding insurance policy.
Homeowners who could be affected by hurricanes and other tropical storms can rest assured that their insurer will cover any damages that occur during the storm season. Most insurance companies are not, however, so lenient with other causes of water damage.
Flooding is another very common cause of water damage that plagues thousands of homes and properties each year. These types of disasters can be caused by anything from increasingly heavy rains to overflows in channels or melting snow.
The danger of flooding is prevalent in many regions throughout the United States and is a cause for worry among many homeowners.
The accidental or sudden discharge of water in a home is almost exactly what it sounds like. That is any kind of presence of water that was completely unplanned and could not have otherwise been prevented.
When a sewer overflow occurs, sewer water is discharged into the surrounding homes and neighborhoods.
A sewer overflow/backup situation is commonly mistaken for an accidental discharge of water, but this is actually not the case. Instead, this issue is viewed separately in the eyes of the insurance company, which is an important fact to keep in mind as a homeowner.
Gradual water damage, on the other hand, is almost the complete opposite of accidental/sudden discharge. Instead of a surprise overflow of water, this type of damage starts with a smaller event, such as a leak or drip, and escalates into a bigger problem over time.
Water damage that is related to mold is considered to be under the same umbrella as gradual water damage, meaning that it occurs over an extended period of time. When mold is present in a home, it was most likely caused by water getting into certain areas and going undetected, which can be viewed as neglectful on the homeowner’s part.