Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage? What You Need to Know.

Water damage can happen in a blink of an eye — a pipe burst, a hidden leak, or even flooding from heavy rain. Without the right homeowners insurance coverage, you could be left paying for the costly repairs out of your own pocket.

At First In Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is for homeowners to have the right insurance policy in place and to make sure it covers water damage. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you’re fully covered.

What Types of Water Damage Are Covered in Your Homeowners Insurance Policy?

Homeowners insurance generally covers accidental and sudden water damage, but not all types of water damage are included. Here are the key areas your policy should cover:

1. Burst & Leaking Pipes

✅ Covered: Most policies will cover damage from a sudden pipe burst, as long as it wasn’t due to negligence (such as failing to heat your home in winter).

❌ Not Covered: Slow, gradual leaks that occur over time due to lack of maintenance.

2. Appliance Leaks (Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Water Heaters)

✅ Covered: If an appliance suddenly malfunctions and floods your home, the damage is typically covered.

❌ Not Covered: The cost to repair or to replace the broken appliance is usually not included.

3. Roof Leaks from Storms

✅ Covered: If a storm causes a leak by damaging your roof, the water damage that incurs inside your home may be covered.

❌ Not Covered: If the leak is due to an old or poorly maintained roof, you might be on your own and will have to come out of pocket.

4. Overflowing Toilets & Sump Pump Failures

✅ Covered: Some policies include water backup coverage, but you must add this as an endorsement to be protected.

❌ Not Covered: If you don’t have a water backup rider on your policy, damages from an overflowing toilet or failed sump pump may not be covered.

5. Flooding from Natural Disasters

❌ Not Covered: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding from heavy rains, hurricanes, or overflowing rivers. You must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

What Should Your Policy Include?

To ensure you’re fully protected against water damage, check that your insurance policy includes:

Water damage from sudden and accidental events
Coverage for plumbing and appliance leaks
Additional water backup coverage (for sump pump failures & sewer backups)
Mold remediation coverage (since water damage can lead to mold growth)
Flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area or flood zone

What to Do If You Experience Water Damage

If you suffer water damage in your home, act fast to prevent further issues.

Shut off the water source (if possible).
Document the damage with photos and videos.
Contact First In Restoration for professional water extraction, mitigation, and reconstruction services.
Call your insurance company to report the claim. (We can assist you in filing the claim).

Let First In Restoration Help!

We work with homeowners across Georgia to restore their homes after water damage. Our team can assist with insurance claims, providing detailed documentation and working directly with adjusters to make the process as smooth as possible.

📞 Need emergency water damage restoration? Call First In Restoration 24/7! 470.748.0225.

First In Restoration serves all of Georgia with a focus in Loganville, Walton County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Barrow County and Athens, Georgia.