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Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

The usual answer turns on two words: sudden and accidental. Your own policy is what actually decides.

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The short version

Usually covered
Sudden, accidental damage, such as a burst pipe.
Usually not
Flooding from outside, and damage from slow leaks or poor upkeep.
Do first
Photograph everything and call your insurer before removing materials.

Typically covered

  • A pipe that bursts.
  • An accidental leak from plumbing or an appliance.
  • Rain entering through storm damage.
  • Water used to put out a fire.

Typically not covered

  • Flood water rising from outside.
  • Seepage through a foundation.
  • A leak left unrepaired over time.
  • Damage from lack of maintenance.

How the line is drawn

  • Sudden and accidentalA Texas Real Estate Research Center publication puts it this way: "water pouring from a burst pipe qualifies, but water seeping in from a foundation does not."
  • FloodFlood damage is generally handled by separate flood insurance, such as the National Flood Insurance Program, not by a standard homeowners policy.
  • Gradual damageInsurers generally treat slow leaks and deferred repairs as maintenance, which policies exclude.
  • Your policyWording, limits and endorsements differ. Sewer backup, for example, is often an optional add-on.

What to do after water damage

  1. Stop the water and make the area safe.
  2. Photograph and video the damage before cleanup.
  3. Call your insurer and ask how it wants the claim documented.
  4. Start drying. Waiting can turn a covered loss into a mold dispute.

This page is general information, not insurance advice. Your policy and your insurer decide what is covered.

Related guides

Sources

  • Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University
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