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Water still coming in? Shut off the main valve first. First-hour checklist
Insurance

Insurance and Damage Claims

What a standard homeowners policy usually covers, how a claim gets paid and the words on your estimate. Each guide is sourced to the policy form and state insurance departments.

Coverage

Will insurance pay?

The short answer for each kind of damage. Each guide covers the exceptions.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage? Usually, if sudden Burst pipes and sudden leaks, yes. Slow leaks and outside flooding, no. Does homeowners insurance cover flooding? No Rising water from outside needs a separate flood policy. Burst pipe repair cost Usually covered Covered when sudden. A frozen pipe in an unheated home may not be. Sewage backup cleanup cost With added coverage Excluded unless you added water backup coverage to your policy.
Claims

Filing a claim

How claims work from the first call to the last check.

How the homeowners claim process works Step by step, with state deadlines and what to do if you disagree. What to do after water damage The first-hour checklist, including what to tell your insurer.
Estimates

Words and prices on your estimate

The terms and unit prices adjusters and contractors use, in plain English.

Water damage restoration price list What each line on a drying and repair estimate usually costs. Water damage categories and classes How dirty the water is, and how much is wet. What is Xactimate? The software behind most insurance repair estimates.
Water still coming in?Stop the damage before you call your insurer. Policies expect it. Open the first-hour checklist.