Water accidents can lead to severe property damage. Many homeowners rely on their insurance to cover the cost of the damage.
Now the question is, does your home insurance cover water damages in Alberta?
The type of water damage plays a crucial part in whether or not your insurance will cover the repair and replacement expenses.
Comparing the best Alberta home insurance quotes can help you understand how much you can receive in case of water-related damages.
This article will provide you with a simple understanding of the home insurance policies for water damages:
Terminology Related to Water Damage to Home and/or Property
If you check your insurance policy, you might come across some terms that describe water-related damages to your home.
However, not everyone can understand the nuances. Here are the simplified definitions of some terms related to this situation:
- Water Escape: This is when your pipe bursts from a crack in the pipeline, and water gushes inside your home.
- Water Mains: These pipes are under your home. They provide you with clean and drinkable water for the home.
- Seepage: If your window seals or the basement have cracks and are letting water spill into your home, it is known as seepage.
- Sewer System: Sewer system pipes are what disposes of water and stormwater from inside your home.
- Accidental: This is when there is water damage inside your home but is not caused by anybody or any intention.
What Type of Water-Related Damages Fall Under Home Coverages?
Some insurers in Alberta make it a rule that you should be at home during these incidents. The house should have an occupant within 24 to 48 hours of any leakage and flooding.
So if there is water-related damage to your property while you are away, make sure to ask someone trustworthy to check on your home every other day.
Not only can this possibly prevent any devastation, but it also helps you show valid proof of the damages for claims.
Here are a few types of damages that might fall under your home insurance. It is advised to talk to your insurer prior just to be on the safe side.
Water Seepage
Water seepage in homes is a common issue, especially if you have an older property. For example, after a rainstorm, if you have water seeping in through the roof, that can cause water damage.
Similarly, melting snow can stain the walls of your home, deteriorating your house’s foundation.
Indoor Plumbing Appliances
If you have a bathtub and a fault in the pipeline plumbing system leads to an overflow, it can cause a large amount of property damage.
Similarly, faulty dishwashers and washing machines can also lead to water spillage or overflow.
Air conditioners and room heaters with faulty lines can also lead to water spillage from cracked pipes. At times, old pipelines are the cause of these hassles.
Sewer Backup
If there was heavy rainfall in your area and your neighbourhood sewer system overflows, it can cause damage to your property.
As sewer backup overflows, water can start to seep and overflow inside your house from your taps and pipes.
Damaged Water Main
If your water main cracks and floods your basement, it can cause substantial damage and ruin your property.
These are a few possible incidents that can severely damage your property. Without the right coverage, you’ll have to pay for these incidents out of pocket.
Are There Any Water Accidents Not Covered by Home Insurance?
If the seepage is over time, your insurance company might refuse to honor your claim. The water damage needs to be sudden and accidental.
You need to report it immediately and not wait for it to fix itself.
There are a few types of water-related damage that do not fall under home insurance. For example, rising water tables and groundwater overflowing are not covered by this policy.
Similarly, water spillage from septic tanks, weeping tiles, and sump pumps also fall under no compensation.
Several other types of damages do not fall under your home insurance coverage, such as:
- Natural calamities like tidal waves and storms
- Long-term water seepage that has been damaging your property over time
- Outdoor appliance spillage from freezing or lack of maintenance
- Debris accumulation
- Any type of water-related damages to your home while you were away
Tips to Secure Your Home from Water-Related Damages
Here are some useful tips you can use to secure your home and property against water-related damage:
Check Your Water Main
Being underground, it may be hard to check on your water main pipelines. Make sure to ask professional plumbing services to check on the system and repair all damages.
By doing so, you can secure your basement and your home from all water-related mishaps.
Keep an Eye on Leaks
Moisture damage is something many people often overlook. However, mold and rotten wood can cause severe damage and are expensive to deal with.
Furthermore, your insurance company may deny your claim (if you have not promptly taken any steps). So make sure to check your home for water leaks, investigate the issue, and call a plumber for immediate repairs.
So if you see any damp spots, mold, seepage, etc., take steps immediately.
Check the Water Pressure
You can find water pressure gauges at hardware stores. Installing these can help you check if the water temperature is too high, with higher chances of spilling under pressure.
By checking the reading daily, you can keep an eye on the water pressure to prevent water damage in home areas or properties.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to water-related damage inside your home. The best way to prevent it is to clean your gutters if they are blocked off by leaves, mosses or debris.
You can also utilize a professional gutter-cleaning service to help to carry out this task.
So Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage in Alberta?
In conclusion, your home insurance might cover water damages, but there are some logical exceptions.
The best step is to know your home’s water supply system and maintain a comprehensive insurance policy to protect your house.
You can talk to an insurance expert who can help you pick the right policy.
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