If protecting yourself against water damage is a concern, ask your insurance agent to help you determine what level of homeowner’s insurance is best for your needs.
There are different types of homeowner’s insurance that vary in what they cost and what they cover. Basic policies have lower payments, higher deductibles and limited coverage, while the most costly policies tend to offer lower deductibles and more generous coverage.
Most standard homeowner’s policies provide protection from water damage if the cause is sudden and accidental… like a burst pipe. However, coverage generally will not kick in if the damage results from an unresolved maintenance issue, and you also will not typically be covered by a traditional homeowner’s policy if water backs into your home through an outside sewer or drain.
Remember, no type of flood damage, no matter the source of the water, is covered by standard homeowner’s policies. So, if you are in an area occasionally threatened by flooding, it would also be wise to consider purchasing a flood insurance policy.