This is a general guide, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy wording controls. Read it, or call your agent, before you make decisions about a claim.
The question insurers ask first
Most homeowners policies in Georgia are written to cover damage that is sudden and accidental, and to exclude damage that built up over time or came from outside the house as flood water. Nearly every water claim comes down to which of those it was.
Usually covered
- A burst or broken pipe inside the house.
- A supply line or washer hose that fails suddenly.
- A water heater that ruptures or suddenly leaks.
- An overflowing toilet, tub or appliance.
- Rain that comes in through storm damage, such as a tree through the roof or wind tearing off shingles.
Coverage usually pays to remove the water and dry and repair the house. It often pays to open a wall or floor to reach the broken pipe. The pipe or appliance that failed may not be covered.
Often not covered
- Flooding from outside, meaning surface water, runoff or rising water entering from the ground. That needs a flood policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer. NFIP policies normally have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect.
- Sewer or drain backup, unless you bought a water backup endorsement.
- Slow, repeated leaks that went on for weeks or months, like a drip under a sink that rotted the cabinet floor.
- Mold, beyond a set limit, and mold from long-term humidity in a crawl space.
- Freeze damage in a house left without heat, if you did not take reasonable steps to keep pipes from freezing.
- Wear and maintenance, such as an old roof that finally leaked.
How to file a water damage claim
- Stop the water and take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. Getting the water out quickly counts. Call us to reach a local crew.
- Photograph and video everything before anything is removed.
- Call your insurer or agent to report the claim and write down the claim number.
- Keep damaged materials or photos of them until the adjuster says you can throw them out.
- Save receipts for anything you spend, including hotel stays if the house is not livable.
- Ask the restoration company for its moisture readings and drying logs. They help show the work was needed.
If a claim is denied or underpaid
Ask the insurer to explain the denial in writing and point to the policy language it relied on. You can ask for a re-inspection, hire a public adjuster, or contact the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, which takes consumer complaints about insurers.
Before the next leak
Look at your declarations page for a water backup endorsement and your mold limit. If you live in a low spot or near a creek, price out flood coverage. Leak sensors near the water heater and washer cost little, and some insurers discount for them.
Related services in Cumming
- Emergency water removal: Standing water pumped out, carpet and pad extracted, wet drywall opened up and drying started the same day.
- Storm and roof leak damage: Water from roof leaks, fallen trees, wind-driven rain and runoff into basements removed and dried.
- Sewage and septic backup cleanup: Sewage and septic overflows removed, contaminated materials taken out and the area cleaned and sanitized.