For homeowners and companies, water damage can be an unexpected and devastating occurrence. Water damage can seriously affect a house due to leaky pipes or natural calamities. Sadly, not all types of water damage are covered by insurance, leaving property owners responsible for the costs of repairs. We will look at a few of the frequent causes of water damage in Atlanta, Georgia, that are not covered by insurance policies in this post.
Causes of Water Damage That Insurance Doesn’t Cover
1. Gradual Injury
The most frequent reason for water damage that insurance policies do not cover is progressive damage. This kind of harm is the kind that develops gradually over time and is continuous. Numerous things, such as dripping pipes, broken appliances, and defective roofing, can gradually deteriorate a structure. Insurance policies frequently do not cover gradual damage because it is the property owner’s duty to maintain the structure and guard against harm.
2. Negligence
Another frequent cause of water damage that insurance policies do not cover is negligence. Negligence is the failure to take reasonable precautions to avoid water damage. For instance, if a property owner ignores a leaking pipe, they could be held accountable for any water damage that results. Being that it is expected of the property owner to take care of their property, insurance policies frequently do not cover damage brought on by negligence.
3. Flooding
Another sort of water damage not typically covered by insurance coverage is flood damage. When water enters a building from an outside source, such as a river or a particularly intense downpour, flood damage results. To cover this kind of loss, property owners who reside in flood-prone locations might need to buy separate flood insurance policies.
4. Sewage Back-Up
A sewage backup can be both disgusting and hazardous. Sadly, a large number of insurance policies do not pay for the cost of repairs for this kind of damage. It may be necessary for property owners to pay for repairs out of pocket, which can be a major financial strain.
5. Mold Damage
In places with a lot of humidity or moisture, mold growth is a prevalent problem. Mold, if unchecked, can seriously harm a building and can be dangerous to one’s health. Mold damage is not typically covered by insurance plans, though, as it is thought to be a problem that property owners can avoid by performing routine maintenance and upkeep.
Ways to Avoid Water Damage
There are steps property owners may take to reduce the chance of water damage happening, even if not all types of water damage can be prevented.
1. Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Water damage brought on by gradual damage can be prevented with routine maintenance and inspections. Regular inspections by property owners should look for any indications of damage, such as dripping faucets or a worn-out roof. To keep their appliances, such as their HVAC system or washing machine, in good operating order, customers need also to plan routine maintenance.
2. Add a Sump Pump.
A sump pump is a tool that can assist keep a property from flooding. In order to lessen the possibility of water damage, it works by pushing water out of a building and away from the foundation.
3. Keep downspouts and gutters clean Water must be directed away from a property by clear gutters and downspouts. To stop water from backing up and causing damage, property owners should make sure that their gutters and downspouts are free of obstructions, such as leaves or twigs.
4. Get flood insurance.
Residents of flood-prone locations should think about purchasing flood insurance. Flood insurance policies cover damage brought on by external water sources like rivers and severe rain.
Conclusion
Property owners may face a large financial burden as a result of water damage. However, property owners can lessen their chances of having to pay high repair costs by taking steps to prevent water damage and, where necessary, investing in additional insurance coverage. Property owners can take proactive steps to lower the possibility of damage happening in the first place even if insurance coverage might not always cover all types of water damage. The chance of water damage can be decreased by performing routine maintenance and inspections, purchasing flood insurance if appropriate, and installing equipment like sump pumps.
External Links
Here are two external links to authoritative websites that are pertinent to water damage prevention and insurance coverage as promised.
For property owners who reside in flood-prone areas, FEMA offers information on flood insurance policies and coverage alternatives.
The Environmental Protection Agency informs property owners about mold remediation and prevention.
Property owners can lessen the likelihood of incurring high repair expenses as a result of water damage by adopting proactive efforts to prevent it and, when necessary, investing in supplementary insurance coverage. Property owners may make sure their property stays in good shape and is protected against the most frequent causes of water damage that are not covered by insurance policies by doing routine maintenance and inspections.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is based on our experience and expertise, each insurance provider handles claims differently and it’s important to contact your agent with questions related to your specific policy. We’re on your team during a water damage claim and will work with you and your insurance provider through the entire process.
