Encountering an issue with your plumbing system is not only inconvenient, but it can prove to be costly too, particularly when you suffer water damage. This is where the proper home insurance policy can come in handy. However, there are still certain water damages that are not covered by home insurance in Australia. This article tackles different water damages that are covered by home insurance, as well as those that are out of the coverage of your policy.
Water Damage Covered by Home Insurance
- Burst Pipe
A burst pipe is a plumbing failure that can cause significant water damage to your property. Fortunately, this is a plumbing repair covered by insurance, which is why you should consider getting the right home insurance policy. Usually, your policy will also cover the repairs to the damages on your walls, floor, and ceiling. However, this is only valid if the cause of the damage or accident is not attributed to lack of maintenance.
When you initiate a claim for water damage, your provider will most likely send an insurance adjuster. He or she is the representative of the insurance company who will assess the cause and cost of the damage to your property. In this case, they will evaluate the location of the pipes, as well as other sources of damage.
- Ruptured Water Heater
Another plumbing failure that is most likely covered by your home insurance policy is a ruptured water heater. In this case, if part of your house is damaged by the ruptured water heater and you have to remove it or replace it entirely, then your dwelling coverage may reimburse you later on. The great part is that this coverage also encompasses the damages on the built-in appliances in your home.
Water Damage Outside of Home Insurance Coverage
- Incorrect Plumbing Installation
Because an incorrect plumbing installation can be considered as an act of negligence, the water damage that stems from may not be covered by your home insurance policy. This is where getting the services of an insured plumber will prove to be beneficial. In this case, there is a great chance that you will be able to reimburse your expenses through the insurance provider of the plumber. Nevertheless, it will still be a good idea to get in touch with your home insurance provider to confirm the coverage of your policy.
- Sewer Backup
Another plumbing issue that causes water damage is sewer backup. However, this is usually not covered under a standard home insurance policy. Even flood damage is not covered particularly if the water that entered your home came from a backed-up drain. In this case, you may need to get an endorsement or consider additional coverage, such as flood damage insurance.
The Bottomline
Indeed, home insurance covers plumbing issues, particularly the water damage that results from it. This is true as long as plumbing failure doesn’t stem from lack of maintenance or any other form of negligence. This means that water damage that occurs because of an incorrect plumbing installation, as well as those caused by your appliances, or even those that result from backed-up outside sewers, are usually out of the coverage of your policy.
While home insurance may not cover the damages that result from the normal wear and tear of your plumbing system, it is still beneficial to get the right policy to protect your property. In this case, should you experience any accidental water damage due to plumbing failure, then you are sure to have the means to have the damages repaired and addressed accordingly, without having to shell out a hefty sum for it. The key is in carefully reviewing and understanding your policy accordingly.