Water Damage Claims: MA Homeowners Insurance in New Bedford

While most people think that home insurance covers the homeowner for just about any type of claim, the truth is that it is essential to work with your New Bedford home insurance agent to ensure that have the coverage you need to protect your investment. The basic MA homeowners insurance policy that is required by the lender is designed to protect the lender from losses during the term of payment. Quality home insurance in New Bedford typically provides above-and-beyond coverage that the required minimum coverage does not. Southcoast insurance companies will work with you to create a custom insurance coverage package that exceeds the industry standard.

Types of Home Water Damage

There are many different types of water damage, and insurance companies classify water home water damage claims in several ways based on the various areas of coverage. Natural flooding is considered to be different than standard water damage. It is covered under a separate policy. Flood insurance isn’t included in most MA homeowners insurance policies. It is something you need to purchase extra beyond your basic home insurance in New Bedford. However, even flood insurance is only designed to protect you from certain types of situations, so it pays to learn all you can when you speak with your agent.

Was the damage caused suddenly, or did it occur gradually over time? This is a common distinction that is used to determine the validity of a claim filed by a homeowner. Sudden and unexpected damage to a home is more likely to be covered than long-term damage caused by an unknown or unseen leak. Water damage can hide for a long time, resulting in additional issues, such as mold, mildew, and foundation problems. Discuss your current coverage with your agent regarding home insurance in New Bedford to find out what is covered and what isn’t. Some areas are more prone to flooding than others and would benefit from a comprehensive flood insurance rider, but due to the many types of flooding and water damage, extra coverage is recommended for all homeowners.

Examples of Sudden Water Damage

It can be challenging to see the difference between sudden and gradual water damage in some situations. One example would be a crack in the foundation. If the crack is discovered right away, it could be covered under an MA homeowners insurance claim. However, if the crack is not discovered for a long time and water seeps into the home, resulting in additional damage of time, it might be considered gradual water damage, just a slow leak under a sink would result in damage to the cabinet and floor that occurs gradually over time. Another example of sudden damage would be a pipe that breaks during a winter freeze, leading to a big flood of water indoors.

Trees can fall and cause damage to the roof, allowing stormwater inside that results in damage. How the homeowners react to the damage could impact the level of coverage available in a claim. If the roof was repaired right away, but the interior area was not replaced right away, leaving wet insulation, drywall, and other materials, the resulting mold and mildew damage would be gradual. The same goes with burst pipes, broken appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers, and leaky toilets. The initial damage might be covered, but if repairs are not made effectively and efficiently, any secondary damage might not be covered.

Flooding and Water Damage

Another distinction that needs to be made is between actual flooding and water damage. Flood insurance is designed to cover damage caused by water that comes from a natural source and not an appliance or pipe failure. This means water that comes from heavy rain in a storm, in most cases. It does not necessarily apply to water that comes from swollen rivers or mass flooding in a local area. Insurance adjusters need to determine where the water came from and why it caused damage before they can adjust a claim. The term flood might mean one thing to the homeowner, but something completely different to an insurance company.

Got questions? Not sure what’s covered and what isn’t? It’s a good idea to sit down with your New Bedford home insurance agent to ask any questions that you might have about your MA homeowners insurance policies. Borden Insurance is an independent insurance agency and can provide our customers with a variety of options with popular Southcoast insurance companies to get the best coverage available at the right price for your budget. If you want to add extra coverage options for flooding or would like to add on insurance for a vehicle, RV, boat, or other personal items, contact Borden Insurance Agency by calling 508-999-3636. We can offer a FREE quote, answer any questions that you might have, and get you the coverage you require to safeguard your property.