Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Overflow or Discharge?

Water damage can be expensive. Here's a guide for when you can expect your home insurance to kick in (and why it might not) when you have an overflow that causes water damage.
Written by Marisol Pereira
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Water damage is one of the most destructive perils to homes, costing the insurance industry billions of dollars every year. And, if not fixed immediately, water damage can introduce additional problems like mold.
You may be wondering what happens when your toilet, bathtub, or another appliance overflows. The truth is, sometimes your homeowners insurance will cover the damage, and sometimes, it won't.
Read on to learn exactly what's covered, compiled by
Jerry
.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

Is water damage from overflowing appliances covered by home insurance?

Most insurance companies do, in fact, cover water damage. However, as it is to be expected, they don't cover all water damage. These are some of the most common causes of water damage included in standard homeowners policies:
  • Rain or snow
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Vandalism
  • Plumbing 
The last category should encompass water damage from any appliances in the house, such as air conditioners, washing machines, fire sprinkler systems, outdoor sprinklers, water heaters, dishwashers, or any other appliance that is connected to a plumbing system.
That includes your bathtub and toilet. If your bathtub or toilet overflows and causes water damage, you can usually expect your homeowners insurance to pay for that.
However, keep in mind that if the appliance itself is damaged, most insurance companies won't pay for the replacement of it—just for the damage it caused. But, considering how destructive water damage can be, the cost of the appliance should be the least of your worries.
MORE: How to find and hire a plumber

When is water damage not covered?

If your water damage happens to be coming from one of the following reasons, your insurance company will not cover it unless you have specifically had the coverage written into your policy.
Negligence: If the water overflow or discharge from an appliance is caused by poor maintenance, the insurance company will refuse to pay for the damages. It is your responsibility to keep everything up to date. Insurance covers sudden accidents, not the damages that naturally occur over time due to wear and tear.
Flood: Standard homeowners insurance policies don't cover flood damages. People who live in high-risk areas and wish to be protected against this peril should purchase additional insurance. 
Sewage water: Damages caused by sewage water is not included in a standard homeowners policy, but you may have the opportunity to add an endorsement to cover this gap.

Is mold covered?

Water damage is known to cause mold, which can be a tricky problem to fix and can add to the water damage.
As long as your damage was caused by a covered peril/cause, your insurance company should also pay for any mold remediation. This is because mold is seen as an extension of the water damage.
RECOMMENDED
Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.
avatar
Judith switched to Progressive
icon savingsSaved $725 annually
avatar
Alexander switched to Travelers
icon savingsSaved $834 annually
avatar
Annie switched to Nationwide
icon savingsSaved $668 annually
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings