Short answer: Usually yes, when the damage is sudden and accidental and starts inside the home, such as a burst pipe or a failed water heater. Standard policies usually exclude flooding from outside, damage from slow leaks or poor maintenance, and sewer or drain backups unless you add a water backup endorsement.
Water damage is one of the most common homeowners claims. According to Insurance Information Institute figures cited by Texas A&M’s Real Estate Research Center, water damage and freezing made up 29 percent of homeowners claims, with an average paid claim of $11,097 in 2021.
What is usually covered and what is not
| Situation | Standard homeowners policy | How to get coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Burst or frozen pipe (sudden) | Usually covered | Standard policy |
| Water heater, washer or dishwasher suddenly fails | Usually covered for the water damage, often not the appliance itself | Standard policy |
| Rain entering through storm damage to the roof | Usually covered | Standard policy |
| Slow leak under a sink or behind a shower over months | Usually not covered | Fix leaks early; maintenance is the owner’s job |
| Sewer or drain backup | Not covered | Water or sewer backup endorsement |
| Sump pump overflow or failure | Not covered | Water backup endorsement |
| Rising floodwater, storm surge or runoff | Not covered | Separate flood insurance (NFIP or private) |
Talk to a local pro
Water in your home, or mold you can see?
Call to be connected with an independent water damage and mold restoration company that serves your area. Calls are answered by the provider or their scheduling team.
For homeowners who need new service. Have ready: your address, where the water is coming from, which rooms are affected, and your insurance company.
The two words that decide most claims: sudden and accidental
Insurers pay for damage they see as unexpected, such as a pipe splitting in a cold snap. They usually deny damage that built up over time, such as rot from a drip under the sink, because regular maintenance could have prevented it.
A useful shorthand from the Insurance Information Institute: water damage from the top down, such as a burst pipe or rain through a storm-damaged roof, is usually covered, while water from the bottom up, such as rising floodwater, is not.
Water backup coverage
Sewer and drain backups are excluded from standard policies, but most insurers sell a water or sewer backup endorsement. These endorsements typically carry limits between $5,000 and $25,000 and often cost about $50 to $250 a year, according to The Zebra.
How to file a water damage claim
- Stop the water and make the area safe.
- Photograph and film the damage before moving or throwing anything away. Keep damaged items until the adjuster sees them or approves disposal.
- Call your insurer or agent and get a claim number.
- Prevent more damage: remove water and start drying. Keep receipts for fans, dehumidifiers and emergency services, since insurers expect you to limit the damage.
- Get an itemized estimate from a restoration company that includes moisture readings.
- Keep notes of every call: the date, the person’s name and what was said.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover mold from water damage?
Sometimes, if the mold came from a covered event and was cleaned up promptly. Many policies limit or exclude mold, so look for a mold sublimit in yours.
Will a claim raise my premium?
It can. Insurers consider claims history, so for small losses near your deductible, weigh the payout against a possible premium increase before filing.
Do I need flood insurance if I am not in a flood zone?
Flooding can come from melting snow, an overflowing creek or runoff down a hillside, not only from coasts and rivers. Standard policies do not cover it, so a separate flood policy is the only protection.