Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage?
You walk into your home and step in a puddle. Maybe it came from a burst pipe, maybe from your roof, or maybe from something you didn’t even notice until your walls started bubbling. Your first question?
“Does home insurance cover water damage?”
The honest answer: It depends.
We’ve seen it covered. We’ve seen it denied. And we’ve seen it go either way—depending on how fast homeowners responded, how the damage was reported, and what the fine print of the policy said.
At A/S General Contracting, we’ve spent decades helping Southern California homeowners recover from water damage—and guiding them through insurance claims from start to finish. In this post, we’ll break down what actually gets covered, what doesn’t, and how to protect yourself from expensive surprises.
So… Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage?
In most cases, yes—but only if the damage was sudden and accidental.
If a pipe bursts, a washing machine hose snaps, or a storm punches a hole in your roof, there’s a good chance your insurance will help pay to clean up the water, dry out your home, and make repairs.
But if the water damage happened slowly over time—like from a dripping pipe under the sink or poor sealing around a window—it’s often considered preventable and won’t be covered.
The specific policy language matters a lot. The cause, timing, and how it’s documented all play a role in whether you’ll get help or a hard no.
Learn how our team helps navigate this process here:
Insurance Claim Support – A/S General Contracting
What Insurance Companies Look For
When reviewing a water damage claim, your insurance company will look at:
- What caused the water damage?
- Was it sudden and accidental, or slow and preventable?
- Was the source something that should have been repaired earlier?
- Did you act quickly to mitigate further damage?
- Is the claim backed by professional documentation?
The clearer the story, the better your odds.
Common Water Damage Coverage Scenarios
Water Damage from a Pipe Burst
Usually Covered
This is a textbook example of “sudden and accidental.” A pipe bursts behind a wall, under a sink, or in the ceiling and floods part of your home. As long as you act fast and document the damage, your policy will likely help cover:
- Drying and dehumidification
- Mold prevention
- Material removal and replacement
- Any structural repairs needed
Delays in response, however, could still hurt your claim.
Water Damage from a Slow Leak
Usually Not Covered
If the leak was obvious and you didn’t act—or if the insurance company believes it had been happening for weeks or months—your claim will probably be denied. Insurers expect homeowners to notice and fix small leaks before they cause major damage.
That’s why documentation and a professional inspection are so important.
Water Damage After a Storm
Sometimes Covered
If a storm damages your roof, shatters a window, or causes a sudden water intrusion, most policies will cover the resulting water damage. But if the insurer determines that your roof was already in bad shape—or that you waited too long to tarp or fix the issue—they may deny your claim.
Your coverage will depend on how fast you acted and whether the damage was clearly tied to the storm event.
Water Damage from Overflowing Sinks, Tubs, or Appliances
Often Covered
If your washing machine overflows or your kid leaves the sink running, this type of water damage is usually covered—as long as it wasn’t caused by poor maintenance or repeated issues. If the appliance had been leaking for a while, the insurer may push back.
Water Damage from Groundwater or Flooding
Not Covered Under Standard Policies
Damage from rising groundwater, overflowing rivers, or storm surges is almost never covered by standard homeowners insurance. This type of damage requires a separate flood insurance policy.
If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s worth exploring your options through FEMA or private flood insurance carriers.
What to Do When You Find Water Damage
If you want to protect your claim (and your home), take these steps as soon as you find water damage:
- Shut off the source. Turn off the water supply, if possible.
- Take photos. Document everything before cleanup begins.
- Call a professional. Get a certified team on-site to inspect, dry, and mitigate damage.
- Notify your insurance provider. Start the claim as soon as possible.
- Keep all records. Save receipts, reports, and communications related to the damage.
Start here if you need fast, certified help:
Mold & Water Remediation Services
Why Claims Get Denied (Even When They Shouldn’t)
We’ve seen claims denied even when the cause was clearly covered. Here’s why:
- The damage was obviously old
- Homeowners waited too long to report it
- The insurer didn’t receive clear documentation
- Mold or secondary damage wasn’t properly addressed
- The source of water wasn’t clearly identified
That’s why we don’t just clean up water—we help manage your claim. Our certified team documents everything, coordinates with your adjuster, and supports your case from start to finish.
Final Thoughts: What Really Matters
To recap:
- Water damage is covered if it’s sudden, accidental, and reported quickly
- Damage from slow leaks, neglect, or long-term moisture is usually not covered
The quality of your documentation and the timing of your response can make or break your claim
Need Help With a Water Damage Claim?
At A/S General Contracting, we’ve been restoring homes and supporting homeowners for over 29 years. We know the ins and outs of insurance policies, and we work directly with your adjuster to maximize your coverage.
Contact A/S General Contracting
We’ll assess the damage, explain your options, and help you get the support and repairs you need—fast, fair, and without stress.
