Does New Bedford Home Insurance Cover Flooding and Water Damage?

flooding and water damageAlthough it may seem like a given that a homeowner’s policy would pay for any claim due to damage that occurs to your home, it’s important to speak with your New Bedford home insurance agent to be sure you have the right protections in place. Lender-required homeowners insurance protects the lender from financial losses throughout the loan’s repayment period. In New Bedford and much of MA, it is common for homeowners to get additional insurance policies, especially for things like flooding and water damage. As a southcoast insurer, Borden Insurance can work with you to provide comprehensive coverage that goes above and beyond what is typically offered.

Check Your Homeowner’s Policy

There are many different forms of water damage to homes and insurance companies classify water damage claims according to the source of the water. Water damage from natural floods is distinct from other types of water damage such as seepage and plumbing breaks. Natural flooding is covered only by a separate flood insurance policy you must purchase. Typically, Massachusetts policyholders will have to get separate flood insurance if a their home is in a Special Hazard Flood Zone. Many homes in New Bedford are in this type of zone. Flooding is not included in the standard homeowner’s policy, but may be purchased separately. However, even flood insurance is only meant to protect you against particular sorts of flooding catastrophes, so it pays to understand all you can when you chat with your representative.

Insurance companies are more inclined to pay for repaires from plumbing water damage after a sudden disaster than for ongoing problems like a slow leak. Mold, mildew, and foundation troubles are just a few of the complications that can develop as a consequence of water damage that goes undetected for a long period. Find out what is and isn’t covered by your New Bedford house insurance by talking to your representative. Extra coverage is suggested for all households owing to the many different forms of flooding and water damage, while certain places are more at risk of flooding than others and would benefit from a comprehensive flood insurance rider.

Coverage for Flooding and Water Damage

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell the difference between abrupt and gradual water damage.  A burst pipe due to freezing temperatures in the winter might cause significant water damage to a building. These water damage losses should be reported to your New Bedford insurance agency right away. Taking steps to reduce continued damage is required by insureds under most insurance policies.

If a tree falls on your roof, it might puncture the shingles and let rainwater inside, causing costly damage. The extent of the homeowners’ insurance payout depends on their response to the damage. Mold and mildew damage can develop slowly even if the roof is fixed immediately once, because it takes time for the inside to be restored after water damage. Similar considerations apply to malfunctioning appliances like dishwashers, ice makers, and washing machines, as well as dripping faucets and toilets. If repairs aren’t done swiftly and properly, further damage may not be covered even if the initial harm is.

Quality New Bedford Home Insurance

Confused about what is and is not included? Meet with your home insurance agent in New Bedford to go over your policy and answer any questions you may have. Borden Insurance is an independent insurance agency, so we can shop around with well-known Southcoast insurers to get you the best possible policy at a price you can afford. Borden Insurance Agency can be reached at 508-999-3636 if you are interested in acquiring supplemental flood insurance coverage or insurance for a motor car, recreational vehicle, boat, or other valuables. Get the property insurance coverage you need at no cost from us, along with a quotation and answers to any questions you may have.