There’s no difference between water damage and flood damage, right? Actually, there are a few differences. The source of water and whether or not insurance will cover it are a couple of big ones.
Not everyone loves to read as much as we love to write, so here’s a summary. (But we swear you’re missing out.)
Water damage is like that annoying friend who spills their drink all over your carpet during a party. Flood damage is like your ex who shows up unannounced during a rainstorm and floods your basement with tears.
Types of water damage usually covered by insurance:
- Leaky roofs
- Burst pipes
- Malfunctioning appliances
- Overflowing toilets or sinks
- Natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes
Types of flood damage usually NOT covered by insurance:
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Oceans
- Other bodies of water
Homeowners insurance covers sudden and accidental damages. Coverage extends to the structure of your home and personal property.
Water Damage
Water damage is any type of damage caused by water from leaky roofs, burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, overflowing toilets or sinks, and natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes.
The extent can range from minor problems like small stains and water spots to major issues like your house filling with water and structural damage.
You also need to watch out for the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health problems and further damage to the property.
Flood Damage
Flood damage, on the other hand, is specifically caused by water from sources like rivers, lakes, oceans, or other bodies of water. Heavy rainfall or tsunamis can also result in a flooded home.
This can even be more severe than typical water damage because it usually affects a larger area and can turn into a problem that gets wildly out of control.
If the flooding is bad enough, buildings could crumble, electrical machines could be damaged, and there will most likely be health concerns because of the contaminants in the floodwater.
Final Thoughts
Once again, most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage and require separate flood insurance coverage.
Fortunately, the majority of water damage events are covered by standard insurance policies.
Remember to understand the differences between these types of damage and have the appropriate insurance coverage to protect against potential losses.
