Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport TN
Before we give you a straightforward answer, let us begin by saying it depends. Whether or not your homeowner’s insurance policy covers water damage will depend entirely on what type of policy you have, the extent of coverage, and how the water damage occurred. Your Tri-Cities water restoration experts at Spotless Carpet Cleaners are here to explain this further.
Water Damage vs. Flood
Yes, there is a difference, according to most insurance policies. Water damage that is typically covered by insurance is water that has not touched the outside first. Sounds crazy, but in other words, flood water is rainfall or water that rises from the ground. Therefore, floodwater damage is typically only going to be covered if you have flood insurance.
For instance, if you do not live in a flood zone, then you likely do not have flood insurance. However, if your home became flooded by an act of nature, it is likely that your insurance would not cover the water damage.
On the flip side, most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover water damage that was caused by things inside your home such as a broken appliance, or busted water pipe. Keep in mind that it is always best to find out directly from your homeowner’s insurance company what they will or will not cover.
However, most insurance policies will cover the damage caused by these broken appliances or pipes, just not the actual appliance. For example, if your dishwasher broke and flooded your kitchen, destroying your floors, the insurance policy should cover the cost of water remediation and to repair or replace the floors. However, it would not cover the cost of a new dishwasher.
Most insurance policies also will cover any mold that results from the water damage. However, if your home develops mold as a result of a flood, and you do not have flood coverage, you may be up a creek without a paddle, as they say, and out of pocket on this one.
How much is water remediation?
The cost of water remediation and repairs will vary, depending on the severity of your situation. However, FEMA estimates that only six inches of water damage can result in as much as $20,000 worth of damage! While you may not end up with six inches of water from a broken appliance, you could end up sending a rather large bill to your insurance company to pick up the tab.
Always speak with your insurance company regarding coverage. Know what any potential out-of-pocket expenses will run you so that you will not be blindsided with a bill. Whether you have to pay for the damage or not, water damage will need to be taken care and, the sooner the better to avoid extensive repairs.
Prevent Water Damage
While preventing water damage in the first place is always the best route to take, it isn’t always possible to predict when an appliance is going to give out, or a pipe will freeze and bust. You can, however, maintain routine maintenance on your appliances to ensure they are in working order. Also, take precautions during colder months by keeping your pipes properly insulated and outside hydrants covered.
Water Remediation in the Tri-Cities
Even with these precautions, Spotless Carpet Cleaners understands that disaster happens. Although we hope it never happens to you, we want you to call on us when it does. When disaster strikes, call Spotless Carpet Cleaners at (423) 926-9251 to schedule an estimate from one of our professional, certified restoration technicians. We are available 24/7!
Since 1975, Spotless Carpet Cleaners has served the carpet cleaning and restoration needs for customers in the areas of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee.
