The Difference Between Flood Damage and Water Damage Claims

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: The experts at SERVPRO of West Fort Worth, Texas, give residents advice on storm damage restoration claims and explain the difference between flood damage and water damage coverage.  

Regardless of the cause, dealing with water damage can be a stressful experience for home and business owners. Whether insurance will cover the damage is a common concern, and unfortunately, the answer is not always cut and dry. It depends on the type of coverage and the type of water damage.

The experts at SERVPRO of West Fort Worth have provided quality storm damage clean-up and restoration services to home and business owners in Benbrook and surrounding areas since 1967 and have dealt with insurance policies of all types from every carrier. Here is what they had to say about the difference between water damage and flood insurance.

Storm Damage Restoration Tips: Understanding Flood vs. Water Damage Insurance

Homeowners insurance or commercial property insurance will cover most—but not all—forms of water damage. Flood damage is one example of a type of water damage that these policies won't cover. Instead, insurance companies offer what's often called an add-on, rider, or endorsement for floor coverage at an additional cost. 

Homeowners Insurance or Commercial Property Insurance Coverage

A standard homeowners insurance or commercial property policy will cover water damage if it is sudden and accidental. They will not cover gradual, preventable damage. Here are some examples of water damage insurance typically will cover:

• Burst pipes and other plumbing system damage
• Storm damage (excludes flooding)
• Fire suppression system failure

Examples of situations where the insurance won’t cover water damage:

• Pipe corrosion or unaddressed plumbing leaks
• Window and door seal leaks
• Gradual roof damage
• Ground seepage

In addition to natural flooding, insurance also won’t cover sewage backups without a policy add-on.

Flood Damage Coverage

Flood damage specifically covers water damage caused by heavy rains, hurricanes, high tides, lake and river overflow, and other types of natural flooding. It will not cover any form of internal flooding, such as plumbing malfunctions or sewerage backups. 

Flood damage coverage is available at a regulated rate via the National Flood Insurance Program. While it is sold by private insurance companies, NFIP flood coverage is administered by the government. Homeowners can choose between two types of coverage:

• Building coverage covers the structure alone, including the walls, flooring, ceiling, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Water damage restoration, clean-up, and debris removal are also included. Up to 10% of the policy's maximum coverage amount can also be applied to outbuildings and separate structures on the property (garages, shops, sheds, etc.)

• Content coverage covers everything within the structure, such as appliances, electronics, clothing, and other personal items. 

Both coverage types have special rules for basements. For instance, in a finished basement, flood insurance may not cover the full cost of the restoration. Personal items stored in a basement are also not covered.  

About SERVPRO of West Fort Worth

SERVPRO of West Fort Worth specializes in water removal, flood clean-up, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and commercial cleaning services. They take the time to properly document water and flood damage and help home and business owners with the claims process—including paperwork. 

For more information about flood damage, water damage restoration, or what insurance will cover, call SERVPRO at (817) 560-3086 or visit their Facebook for more information. 

Contact Information:

SERVPRO of West Fort Worth

8008 Camp Bowie W Blvd

Ste #106

Fort Worth, TX 76116

www.SERVPROwestfortworth.com/