Water Damage Insurance Claims
How to document water damage, file a homeowners claim and work with your adjuster, plus what policies usually cover and what they usually exclude.
A water damage insurance claim is a request to your homeowners, renters or flood insurer to pay for water removal, drying and repairs after a covered loss. Most homeowners policies cover water damage that is sudden and accidental, and exclude damage from slow leaks, poor maintenance and outside flooding.
Stop the water, take photos and video before anything moves, report the loss to your insurer quickly and start drying to prevent further damage. Keep every receipt.
Steps to file a claim
- Make it safe. Shut off water and power to wet areas if safe.
- Document. Photograph the source, the water and every damaged item.
- Report it. Call your insurer or use their app and write down your claim number.
- Prevent more damage. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps, such as starting drying. Keep receipts.
- Meet the adjuster. Share the crew photos, moisture maps and drying logs.
- Review the estimate. Compare the adjuster estimate with the restoration company scope before repairs.
What is usually covered and excluded
| Situation | Usually covered? |
|---|---|
| Burst or frozen pipe in a heated home | Often yes |
| Water heater or appliance failure | Often yes for the water damage |
| Storm damage to the roof | Often yes |
| Slow leak over time | Usually no |
| Outside flooding or rising water | No, needs flood insurance |
| Sewer or drain backup | Only with a backup endorsement |
| Mold | Sometimes, often with limits |
Flood insurance
Flood damage from outside water is normally covered only by a separate flood policy, such as one through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) run by FEMA, or a private flood insurer.
Need help right now?
Call or send the form. Your request goes to an independent local restoration company that serves your area, and they contact you to set up an inspection and a written estimate.
Call now(940) 274-9880- Free to call or request an estimate
- Independent local restoration companies
- Water removal, drying, mold and repairs
- Photos and drying logs you can share with your insurer
Request a free estimate
Takes about a minute. No cost to request.
Blue Star Water Damage is a free information and referral service, not a restoration contractor. Calls and estimate requests are connected to independent restoration companies that serve your area. Those companies set their own prices and do the work.
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe. Slow leaks, poor maintenance and outside flooding are usually excluded.
How soon should I file a claim?
As soon as you can. Most policies require prompt notice, and delays can make it harder to prove what caused the damage.
Can I choose my own restoration company?
In most cases yes. Your insurer may recommend vendors, but you can usually pick your own. Confirm with your adjuster.
Is flood damage covered?
Not by a standard homeowners policy. You need a separate flood insurance policy.