When water damage strikes your home, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is: Will my homeowners insurance cover this? It’s a valid concern—and one we hear frequently from Long Island homeowners who are suddenly facing a mess they didn’t expect. The answer? It depends on the source of the water damage, the specifics of your insurance policy, and whether the damage was sudden or gradual.
Let’s break it down so you know what to expect and how to take action if you’re dealing with water damage in your home.
Understanding What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers
In most standard homeowners insurance policies, water damage is covered when it is sudden and accidental. That means if a pipe bursts, a washing machine hose breaks, or your toilet overflows unexpectedly, there’s a good chance your policy will cover the cost of water restoration and related repairs.
This includes:
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Emergency water extraction and drying
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Removal of damaged materials like flooring or drywall
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Mold prevention treatments
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Structural drying and dehumidification
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Reconstruction of affected areas (if part of the claim)
In these cases, your insurance provider may cover both the cleanup and the rebuild—minus your deductible, of course.
What Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Insurance companies generally draw the line at gradual damage or neglect. If the issue developed slowly over time and you didn’t act to prevent it, your claim might be denied.
Here are a few examples of water damage that may not be covered:
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Repeated leaks or slow plumbing drips you failed to repair
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Water intrusion from poor maintenance, such as a leaking roof that’s past its lifespan
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Sewer backups or sump pump failures—unless your policy includes a specific endorsement
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Flooding from natural disasters (This requires separate flood insurance)
What About Mold After Water Damage?
Mold is a big concern following water damage. If mold develops because of a covered loss (say, a burst pipe), your insurance policy may include limited mold remediation coverage. However, many policies cap mold coverage or exclude it altogether, so it’s important to review your policy and ask your agent if mold cleanup is included.
Additional Coverage Options You Should Know About
If you live in an area prone to flooding or have a basement that’s at risk of water intrusion, consider adding optional endorsements or purchasing supplemental insurance. These may include:
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Flood insurance (through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program)
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Water backup coverage for sewer, sump pump, or drain backups
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Equipment breakdown coverage for HVAC systems, water heaters, etc.
These add-ons can give you peace of mind and more complete protection if disaster strikes.
Why It’s Important to Act Fast When You Have Ater Damage
Insurance companies expect you to take immediate action after discovering water damage. That means calling a licensed water restoration company right away, even before the adjuster arrives. Restoration professionals like us can:
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Stop the source of water
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Document the damage
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Begin drying and cleaning to prevent mold
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Provide detailed reports and photos for your insurance claim
Delaying the water cleanup process could not only increase damage, but also hurt your chances of being reimbursed.
Working Directly With Your Insurance Company
At Newhouse Restoration, we regularly work directly with homeowners insurance providers to simplify the process for our customers. We know what documentation adjusters need, and we speak the same language when it comes to scope of work and invoicing.
Our goal is to make a stressful situation easier for you—from the first phone call to the final walk-through.
Final Thoughts On Insurance Coverage For Water Damage Restoration
So, does homeowners insurance cover water restoration? Often yes, but not always. The key is understanding your policy, taking quick action, and partnering with a trusted restoration company who knows how to handle insurance claims.
If you’re dealing with water damage in your Long Island home, don’t wait. Reach out to professionals who can act fast, mitigate the damage, and work with your insurance company on your behalf.
