When your home sustains water damage or fire damage, it can be a very stressful time as you figure out what to do next or how to solve the problem, especially if the sustained damage was your fault.
Learn about the different ways homeowners’ insurance will help in Central Florida areas such as Plant City, Winter Haven, Lakeland, and more when water or fire damage is your fault.
Water Damage Scenarios & How Homeowners’ Insurance May Cover Them
According to Allstate, there are usually two types of coverage in a typical homeowners’ insurance policy that could apply in this situation:
- Dwelling coverage: This covers damage done to the structure of your home.
- Personal property coverage: This coverage will pay for your personal items that were damaged due to water problems.
Depending on your policy, you may have some level of deductible that you will have to cover on your own as well as coverage limits.
If a plumbing pipe bursts, homeowners’ insurance will more than likely cover it if it was a sudden burst. However, if it happens due to a lack of maintenance on your part, then the coverage factor becomes iffy. The insurance also will not cover the item that broke, so if your dishwasher causes a leak and damages the floor, the floor will be covered but the dishwasher won’t be.
Generally, sewer backup damage is also not covered by insurance, but you may be able to buy separate coverage for this.
Flood damage is not covered by traditional insurance, but some areas may be able to obtain coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program.
When Homeowners’ Insurance Will Cover Fire Damage
With fire damage, personal property coverage and dwelling coverage also apply, along with detached structure coverage, meaning any sheds or detached garages that are damaged in a fire will be covered. You’ll have to determine how much coverage you have for personal property to see if that would cover everything that’s been damaged. In the event your home is too damaged to live in, the insurance will usually also cover hotel bills for a period of time while your home is being repaired.
They may also cover your landscaping if that’s burned. Check your specific policy to see if you are covered in the instance of a wildfire.
Insurance will not cover damages if you start a fire in your home on purpose. This doesn’t mean that if you leave a potholder too close to the stove and it catches fire that you aren’t covered, but if you purposely and deliberately start a fire that gets out of control, you will probably be liable for all the costs associated with the repairs.
Make Us Your First Call When Your Home Is Damaged by Water or Fire
If you sustain water or fire damage, make True Builders your first call. We’ll help you work with your insurance company to determine your levels of coverage and we’ll help you rebuild any damaged areas of your home in Central Florida areas such as Plant City, Winter Haven, Lakeland, and more.
