The most common dispute in the Florida homeowners insurance industry is whether water damage is covered or excluded by homeowners insurance. If a pipe leaks in your wall, a P-trap springs a leak, or a supply line to your ice maker causes damage, is it covered? The real question is whether the damage is sudden or long-term. You better know the difference.
More and more policies are including exclusion which have many variations; however, in general, it excludes long term water damage. With respect to the variations, some of these exclusions expressly provide that the seepage must come from within a plumbing, heating, or air system. Others contain language that excludes the leakage “whether hidden or not.” In addition, some describe the excluded time period as “weeks” or “months” whereas others specifically exclude damage that occurs over a period of more than 14 days.
Well how in the heck do you know how long it’s been going on if it was hidden in the wall or below the slab… Good question and that’s what the insurance companies want, is to shift the burden of proof on you. This allows them to deny more and pay less! What a great business right, collect a premium from you and when you have an issue, deny your claim and say that the damage has been continuous and on-going for longer than 14-days.
What NOT to do when Water Damage occurs:
- Do not assume that you do not have a water damage claim (let us help you determine that).
- Do not attempt to repair the damage until we have inspected the affected area.
- Do not throw out any personal property that has been affected by the water damage.
- Do not sign any agreements without getting an estimate in writing.
Let a Policyholder Advocacy Group public adjuster make a preliminary evaluation of your water damage loss; allowing us to better guide, assist, and advise you throughout the successful resolution of your claim against your insurance company.
Next time you think that you have a water related issue, CALL 800.511.2240 for a free inspection.