Home Insurance Options for Water Damage

Homeowners insurance covers some accidental and sudden water damage, but in many cases coverage is not provided.
Additional coverage can help you protect yourself from water damage costs.

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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

It depends. A standard homeowners policy might cover water-related claims if they're sudden and accidental. Typically, coverage is limited based on the source of the water.

How Homeowners Insurance Protects Against Water Damage

Water damage coverage varies depending on the circumstances. It may cover some damage caused by sudden & accidental damage, refer to your policy to see what might be included. Flooding from the outside or neglect does not qualify.

Did you know?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a single inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in property damage.‡

a woman cleaning up water damage on a wall

A Burst Pipe

Your kitchen is damaged by a sudden and accidental burst of a pipe. Warped flooring, wet drywall, or damaged personal property are usually covered. In other words, your insurance should cover the damages as long as it occurs after a sudden and accidental event.

Toilet Overflowing Accident

A toilet doesn't shut off and accidentally causes water to overflow. Water damages your personal belongings. If water damage happens from a sudden appliance or plumbing problem like this, you're covered. Any damage caused by an accidental toilet overflow should be covered by your home insurance.

Frozen Pipes

When a pipe freezes, it expands, increasing pressure on the pipes. This pressure can cause pipes to burst, damaging drywall and carpeting. Homeowners insurance covers cleaning and repairs due to water damage caused by a frozen pipe that bursts, up to your policy’s limit.

Water Damage Coverage Add-Ons

You can customize your standard home insurance policy with add-on coverage.

Flash Flood Coverage***

A flash flood soaks the first level of your home after a severe storm. Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover these types of losses. But our Inland Flood Coverage can help protect you from unexpected flash flooding.***

Hidden Water Coverage**

Wear and tear cause your 20-year-old plumbing line to leak behind the shower wall. The water has damaged the drywall, insulation and flooring behind and under your shower. Hidden water damage insurance helps cover the cost of repairing the damage.**

Sump Pump Failure & Water Backup Coverage†

Your basement floods when a drain backs up. It will cost thousands of dollars to repair carpet and drywall damaged by flooding. Our water backup coverage can help with the cost of repairs caused by water leaking into your home due to a backed-up drain.†

Frequently Asked Questions

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The information on this webpage represents only a brief description of coverages and may or may not be part of your policy. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Coverage features and limits vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Discount availability and eligibility vary by state and policy terms. (Discounts may only apply to auto and property policies.) Please check with your agent and read the policy for exact details on coverages and exclusions.

* Refer to your policy for coverage details & limits and ask your agents if you have questions.

**Hidden Water coverage is an optional coverage. May not be available in all states. Some restrictions apply to seasonal homes and manufactured homes. The leak must occur from within a plumbing, heating, A/C, fire sprinkler or a home appliance. Refer to your policy documents for coverage limit details. Coverage applies after the property deductible has been met. Mold damage limited to coverage limits provided by your homeowners policy.

***Coverage provided by adding the Inland Flood optional endorsement. This endorsement does not satisfy mandatory flood insurance coverage should it be required by your federally regulated lender for your home mortgage or loan. This insurance product is not affiliated with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

†Refer to your policy documents for coverage limit details. Coverage applies to covered losses only after your individual property and coverage specific deductible(s) has been met. Please speak with your agent to learn more about your coverage details and& options selected.

‡ Just 1 Inch of Water, FEMA, (last visited May 29, 2023), https://fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/8.5x11_1_inch_flyer.pdf