Does my homeowner’s insurance cover burst pipes or water damage from burst pipes in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, standard homeowner’s insurance covers water damage from burst pipes, but it also depends on whether it is included as a covered peril in your insurance policy. Usually, sudden and accidental water damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy but not gradual water damage caused by a burst pipe. Further, sewer back-up coverage is not automatically included in your standard insurance policy, so if a drain pipe bursts and it’s not included in the covered perils, you may have to bear the cost of damages yourself.
As a homeowner in a coastal city like Fort Lauderdale, you need to purchase a homeowner’s policy in addition to a flood insurance policy which is sold separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). We recommend that you purchase a comprehensive policy as it will provide you with protection against natural calamities and other disasters like theft, vandalism, fire, plumbing leaks and water damage due to burst pipes, etc. It is essential to carefully read and understand your insurance policy clauses, especially the declarations page to understand the exclusions. Also, such a policy may be more expensive than a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.
Drain or water pipes may burst if they get dented, pierced by sharp objects, corroded by the chemicals in the water, frozen due to a drop in temperature, or disband due to an increase in water pressure. Regular maintenance of your plumbing system, including supply lines and drainage system, and keeping a record of it is extremely important. A burst pipe usually starts with a small leak that goes unnoticed. There are tell-tale signs that could indicate that a water pipe has burst. These could be a sudden drop in water pressure, a noticeable increase in your water bill, damp spots that appear on your walls, or a strange odor coming from the water.
The moment you realize that there is water damage in your home, switch off the main water supply, then call your insurance provider. They would recommend a water remediation company who would take charge of the situation. At this point, it would be best to contact a public adjuster who can take over the entire claims process. Water damage is a contentious subject and can get quite acrimonious. Both parties, that is your insurance adjuster on one side and you on the other, will try to justify that they’re right. A non-biased party like a public adjuster is the best person to resolve these matters. Sometimes, an insurance company will not pay you if the burst pipe is not directly underneath your home structure. They may pay for the damage caused by the water but not for the replacement of the pipe.
At Experienced Public Adjusters, we have a professionally qualified team who will handle the entire claims process for you, leaving you free of stress. We will speak to the insurance claims adjuster, understand the fine print on your policy document, complete the paperwork and conduct an appraisal of the damages. We will prepare the claim and ensure you get the right settlement. Call Experienced Public Adjusters when you need to file an insurance claim for a burst pipe in Fort Lauderdale.