The last thing you want to deal with after your home has flooded is to fight with your homeowner’s insurance about covering the costs of the water removal company and damages to your personal property. However, insurance companies know that water damage happens frequently. If they had to pay out for every single water damage claim that homeowners experience, they would be bankrupt in no time. Homeowners need to understand what their coverage limits are and if they need to purchase additional flood insurance, especially if they are in a high-risk area such as places where the water table is high, or on the coast where hurricanes and tropical storms occur.
Personal Property and Water Damage
Anytime you have a flooding issue in your home, you will have damage to your personal property. Water is very powerful, even standing water, and when your belonging become saturated, even a water removal company can’t always save them. Your homeowner’s insurance may reimburse you for personal property such as
- Electronics such as computers, televisions, gaming systems.
- Jewelry and clothing
- Household appliances
- Furniture
- Decorations and home accessories such as lamps, artwork, window treatments, chandeliers, ceiling fans
- Other personal property
Some policies will not cover valuable collections such as fine art or jewelry, antiques, or firearms, and your insurer may require you to purchase additional coverage for these items.
What Events Are Not Covered By Homeowner’s Insurance?
Your insurance covers your personal property but does not cover it in all cases. The most common exclusions are claims caused by flooding, power failure, normal wear and tear, neglect, government seizure, an act of war, intentional loss, acts of God, or poor maintenance. However, there are many cases where water damage is covered including water damage caused by
- Fire or lightning
- Explosions
- Rioting or civil disturbance
- Aircraft or vehicular damage
- Windstorm or hail
- Vandalism
- Water leaks from plumbing and appliances
- Frozen pipes
- Falling objects
- Power surges
You should always check with your insurance agent before calling a water removal company to ensure that your insurer doesn’t have restrictions on approved vendors. Make sure to ask questions, and you understand what your coverage limits are before purchasing your homeowner’s insurance policy, and if your insurance provider has preferred vendors, keep those phone numbers handy!
Water Removal in Greater Pittsburg
If you need water removal company services, contact ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh at 412-528-6077.