Water Damage Claims
Water damage can be a major disaster for homeowners, causing significant damage to their property and possessions. In this blog post, we'll go over the basics of water damage claims and what you need to know about the covers available:
What are common causes of water damage?
There are many potential causes of water damage in a home ranging from small claims through to major repairs. Some common ones include:
Leaking pipes: Pipes can become damaged over time, leading to leaks or . These leaks can cause water damage to walls, floors, and other parts of the home.
Roof damage: A damaged roof can allow water to enter the home, leading to water damage. This can be caused by storms, falling branches, or other types of damage.
Appliance malfunctions: Appliances that use water, such as washing machines, water heaters, and refrigerators, can malfunction and cause water damage.
Flooding: Flooding can be caused by heavy rain, snowmelt, or other natural disasters. Flooding can lead to significant water damage in a home.
Sewer backups: If the sewer system becomes blocked, it can cause water to back up into the home, leading to water damage.
One of the most important things you can do is notify a water damage insurance claim immediately. This can help prevent further loss and our team will assist with appointing a restoration company to assist with water removal and drying.
Water damage claims can be complex and often feature elements of gradual damage which can be excluded under the policy or hidden gradual damage which can be included.
What is a gradual damage exclusion?
A gradual damage exclusion is a provision in an insurance policy that excludes coverage for damage that occurs gradually over time, rather than as a result of a specific event or occurrence. This means that if your insurance policy includes a gradual damage exclusion, you will not be covered for any damage that is caused by the gradual wear and tear of everyday use or the passage of time.
For example, if your roof gradually starts to leak over the course of several months, a gradual damage exclusion would likely mean that your insurance policy would not cover the cost of repairing the leak. Also, since the cause (roof leak) is gradual, the resulting water damage could also be potentially excluded under the policy. On the other hand, if your roof is damaged in a storm, your insurance policy would likely cover the cost of repairs.
Gradual damage exclusions are common in many types of insurance policies, including home and business policies. It's important to understand what is and is not covered by your insurance policy, including any gradual damage exclusions, so that you can be prepared in the event of a loss.
Hidden Gradual Damage
Hidden gradual damage is a policy extension designed to protect policyholders against losses that are caused by damage that occurs gradually over time and is not immediately visible or apparent. This type of damage is often referred to as "hidden" because it is not immediately noticeable, and it can take some time to discover and diagnose.
Examples of hidden gradual damage might include damage that occurs as a result of a slow leak or a clogged pipe, which may not be discovered until significant damage has already been done.
Hidden gradual damage benefit can often be included as either an automatic or optional coverage in home and business policies and will have a definition, specified limit and conditions under which it applies. It is important to carefully review your policy to understand what is and is not covered, including any exclusions or limitations on hidden gradual damage coverage.