Flood vs. Water Damage: What’s the Difference?

​There are several indicators, such as mold growth, that signal that water has invaded parts of your home that were designed to stay dry. From plumbing to cleaning, water is necessary for a home to function properly. However, rainwater or pipe bursts can lead to unwelcomed water intrusion, which can result in hefty financial repairs.
 
Do you know if your insurance policy will cover the damages?
 
The answer can be a bit tricky because home insurance policies have different definitions of flood and water damage, even though both can require substantial repairs to your floors, walls, structural components or personal belongings.

Understanding Flood Vs. Water Damage

While it takes water to create a flood, it may not necessarily be considered water damage when it comes to your home or property insurance policy.
 
If you need your insurance to help cover water damage that resulted from a natural disaster (i.e. a flood) or a pipe burst, it is imperative to understand the difference and what your insurance policy actually covers.

Water Damage

As previously alluded to, home and property insurance policies will typically cover water damage resulting from plumbing problems, such as a leak from your HVAC unit, a burst or broken pipe, or toilet overflow.
 
You may notice these minimal damages immediately and not even need to file a property damage insurance claim. Sometimes if hidden, water could go unnoticed for a few days and result in substantial damage to your home or personal belongings, in which case you would need to file an insurance claim.

Flood Damage

In contrast to water damage, home and property insurance policies generally view flood damage entirely different, as the damage results from a flood, which could be caused by heavy rainfalls or hurricanes.
 
Home and property insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage, which is why many homeowners and business owners choose to purchase additional flood insurance, especially if they live in areas that are prone to severe weather patterns and flooding.

Get the Coverage That’s Right for You

Water is necessary for any property to function properly.  With so much water being used daily, water damage can happen at any time, and it is one of the many reasons why you have property insurance.
 
However, your definition and your insurer’s definitions of flood and water damage may be different. To ensure your property and belongings are best insured for your needs, you should review your insurance policy. You can also schedule a free consultation with us to review your coverage.
 
If you have water damage to your property or you were underpaid or denied on your insurance claim, you will need a professional public adjuster to help you. Contact Reliant Insurance Adjusters today. At Reliant, we treat every property damage claim as if it were our own.