What water damage does home insurance cover?

Question

José Manuel Alburquerque · Accepted Answer

Normally, damage caused by an accidental and unforeseen escape of water, such as a burst pipe, a tap left running or a leak from the washing machine, both in your own home and, through the liability cover, in your neighbours' homes. Many policies also pay for tracing and repairing the leak, up to a limit. What they do not usually cover is damp that builds up gradually, condensation, wear and tear or lack of maintenance. If the insurer says that the damage is due to one of those excluded causes, it is generally up to the insurer to prove it. What it usually covers Accidental escapes of water from pipes, taps, heating and appliances connected to the water supply, such as the washing machine, the dishwasher or the water heater. Burst pipes in your home, including those embedded in the walls. Forgetting to turn off a tap or a stopcock. Leaks coming through from a neighbour's home. Tracing the leak, even if walls have to be broken open, normally up to a limit. Depending on the policy, clearing blockages and frost damage. What it does not usually cover Condensation damp, rising damp and slow or gradual seepage. Pipe corrosion and worn seals that have not been repaired. Sealant and joints around baths, showers and sanitary ware. Rainwater, which is not considered water damage. It comes under the weather damage cover, if the policy includes it. The “Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros”, Spain's state insurance compensation fund, pays for extraordinary flooding, but not for rain falling directly on the home or coming in through the roof, the roof terrace or the drains. What to do if it happens Turn off the stopcock and do whatever is reasonable to stop the damage getting worse. The insurer pays those costs, within the limits of the policy, even if you do not manage to prevent the damage. Notify the insurer within seven days, take photos and keep the broken parts before carrying out any repairs. If you are refused cover, ask for the refusal in writing, stating the clause being applied to you. If it is a clause limiting your rights and it is not highlighted and separately signed, it cannot be applied to you. Where the dispute is about whether there was an accidental escape of water or gradual damp, a report from another technician can rebut the one from the insurer's loss adjuster.