If you live in Oklahoma City, you may wonder if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers burst pipes. A burst pipe can destroy both your home and your belongings.
Water mitigation and repair costs are astronomical. Indeed, an entire industry has sprung up as a result. But, whether your homeowner’s insurance would cover you for a burst pipe depends on many factors.
Is it covered?
If your pipes burst suddenly and accidentally, your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover your damages. For example, if your pipes burst because of a freeze, fire, etc., your homeowner’s insurance likely will cover the damages to your home and property. It may also cover your living expenses while you get your home livable again.
When would they not cover it?
If your policy has some specific exemptions, it likely will not be covered. These may include the type of water damage, like sewer backups, exterior floods, mold mitigation, etc. Your homeowner’s insurance may also not cover the pipe replacement unless the pipe burst was caused by a covered peril.
If the pipe burst because of improper maintenance or neglect, your claim may be denied. For example, if you had a leak that you did not fix, which then caused the pipe to burst, the claim may be denied.
Similarly, if you did not properly insulate your pipes or did not turn off your water supply before a winter storm, your homeowner’s insurance may attempt to deny your claim as well.
What do I do if a pipe bursts?
Immediately turn off the main water valve. This will stop the flow of water into your home, but the remaining water in the pipe will still drain out.
Try to soak up as much water as possible to stop the damage, but be sure to document the damage with both photographs and videos. Keep the receipts for any emergency repairs or expenses you incurred as a result of the burst pipe.
Then, contact your homeowner’s insurance to report the burst pipe. The insurance company will need to send out an adjuster to assess your damages. Your insurance company will tell you how to upload your documentation as well.
You may find that you disagree with their ultimate conclusion, which may necessitate fighting them.