
An insurance agent can help you interpret the policy’s wording and tell you exactly what is or is not covered by your insurance. To find out if your insurance covers gradual damage, you’ll have to check the specific wording in your policy statements. However, it’s possible for some policies to cover gradual damage. Nearly every homeowners insurance policy excludes coverage for wear and tear, and gradual damage, regardless of your coverage limits and what type of policy you have. However, resulting damages, like mold, most likely would not be covered.

Roof damage: If a tree falls on your roof and lets water in, you would be covered for the roof repairs and the water damage.
LIMITED HIDDEN WATER OR STEAM SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE COVERAGE CRACK
Foundation seepage: If a crack in your home’s foundation lets water in, your standard policy does not cover the damage.Mold and rotting: Mold, rotting or corrosion that occurs in your home due to water leaks is not covered.Broken pipes: If a pipe breaks due to gradual damage, the water damage wouldn’t be covered by insurance.Lack of maintenance: If you had a leaky faucet, failed to repair it, and it causes extensive water damage in the future, it would not be covered.When it comes to gradual damage, there are a handful of scenarios that are common, but aren’t covered by insurance. With time, your home’s pipes and plumbing system start to deteriorate, which makes them more susceptible to water leaks. Unlike accidental or sudden damage, gradual damage is caused by normal wear and tear, which isn’t covered by insurance. The main type of water damage that isn’t covered by insurance is gradual damage. What types of water damage aren’t covered by insurance? So if a pipe burst and caused resulting damage, the cost of a replacement pipe wouldn’t necessarily be covered. If resulting damage is covered, keep in mind that it will not extend coverage to sources of the water leak. However, not every homeowners insurance policy covers resulting damage, so check your policy’s wording to see exactly what is included. For instance, if a pipe bursts and the water damage destroys a nearby wall, you might be able to get reimbursed for the cost of repairing the wall. Resulting damages occur because of the initial damage. Gradual water damage, which occurs slowly and over time, is not covered by homeowners insurance.Īdditionally, some homeowners insurance policies will cover resulting damages from water leaks. For example, if a pipe bursts out of nowhere, the damage will likely be covered by your insurance policy.

Homeowners insurance will only cover water leaks and water damage if the cause is sudden or accidental.

Water damage can be caused by a number of scenarios, including frozen pipes, storm damage and faulty plumbing systems. Roughly one in 50 homes will have a water damage claim every year, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
