After a storm or other weather event, many people are unsure what damage should be covered by their homeowner’s property insurance policy instead of their flood insurance policy. Your homeowners and flood insurance policies are very different policies that provide different types of coverage and methods to present your claim. Homeowners' Property Insurance and Flood Insurance are intended to work together rather than duplicate coverage. Florida property owners must know the difference between the two types of policies and the coverage each provides.
Homeowners and Commercial Property Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance policies and commercial property insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by “wind-blown” water and not for damage caused by “rising” water. Your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover damage caused by water blown through an open window or hole in your roof but may not cover damage caused by water that had risen from an overflowing river. Homeowner’s insurance should also typically cover heavy rain that causes water to leak through the attic or ceiling or water damage from a hailstorm smashing a window and raining inside the home. Other water losses covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy are damage caused by burst pipes, broken hoses or pipes in an ice maker or washing machine, and sudden appliance explosions, such as a bursting water heater.
Flood Insurance
Flood insurance coverage is limited to water damage caused from flooding or rising water. Your flood policy should cover damage caused by water that overflows or rises onto normally dry land or property. This type of damage is usually the result of water overflowing from bodies of water, swimming pools, or water main breaks. Flood damage could also be caused by a heavy rain event that caused water to pool in your yard to such an extent that the water enters your home.
Get Help With Your Insurance Claim
If you are the unfortunate victim of a water loss, the last thing you want is to be caught in the middle of a dispute between your flood and homeowner insurance companies as to which should provide coverage for your loss. Since no two property insurance claims are the same, you should always consult with a qualified property insurance claim attorney to best understand your rights and coverages provided under your insurance policies.
Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim in Florida?
If your insurance company is dragging its feet regarding your property damage claim, you should speak with an experienced insurance claim lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Florida law office at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.
