Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®
Emily Ford, Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®Phone: (248) 722-4239
Email: [email protected]

Does home insurance cover water damage? 3 Things to remember

by Emily Ford 06/21/2023

Homeowners often wonder, “Does home insurance cover water damage?” Water damage comes in many forms and from many sources, but your standard homeowners insurance policy may not provide coverage for every type.

To help you better understand the limits of your homeowners insurance, here is a basic guide to the types of water damage your policy won’t cover:

Water damage from unresolved maintenance

Making sure your home appliances and systems are in good working condition is critical for insurance as well as their functionality. Your home insurance can help you pay to repair damages caused by the sudden failure of an appliance, but won’t cover you if the failure happened because of unresolved maintenance problems.

For example, if your floors are damaged because your dishwasher has been leaking for months, you wouldn’t be eligible for coverage.

Water damage from a flood

Floods can be catastrophic and happen for a variety of reasons. Storms, overflowing bodies of water and over-saturated ground can all lead to flooding and property damage. Unfortunately, regardless of why the flood happens, the damage will not be covered by your homeowners insurance.

You can purchase separate flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program to protect you in case of flood damage. Mortgage lenders often require proof of flood insurance when you’re purchasing a home in certain regions where flooding is prevalent.

Water damage from a sewer or drain backup

Most homeowners policies typically don’t include coverage for water damage caused by a sewer or drain backup. An outside water source backing up might cause serious damage to your floors or foundation, but you’ll likely need to purchase additional coverage to help with the repairs.

Home insurance can help you pay for many kinds of repairs to your home. However, it’s important to remember these types of water damage that require additional insurance policies.

About the Author
Author

Emily Ford

My experience dates back to 2002 when I obtained my degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College and then immediately went to work as a sales manager for a 72 unit, new home development in Clarkston. I am in my 22nd year of full time residential real estate sales and real estate is my number one passion!

· I earned the "Top Producer" award at Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors from 2007-2023

· My career accomplishments to date include over 1,000 homes sold and in excess of $315M in closed transactions

· I've been voted an Hour Magazine All-Star 2013-2023, an honor only given to the top 5% of Metro Detroit Real Estate Agents

· I'm a lifelong Clarkston resident & service all of Oakland County, parts of Genesee, Livingston and Macomb Counties, and my area knowledge, professionalism and real estate expertise is unparalleled

· As a top-producing & seasoned Realtor I have a strong support staff that handles all facets of your transaction and thus creates a concierge-like real estate process that is as seamless and hands on as it can be, delivering the service you deserve! “Stress free, worry free” is our mission & mantra

· We offer an unmatched marketing plan with preferred positioning on all major Internet outlets and social media, the best in professional photography, staging, handyman services, top-notch negotiating skills, excellent communication & much more!

· In 2022 I was awarded the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Independence Women of the Year award for excellence in business and for my community contributions. In 2019 I received the Clarkston Community Businessperson of the Year Award. I’m also proud to have served my community as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2018 & 2019. I'm a past recipient of the NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) Distinguished Service Award, nominated by my peers

· I consistently contribute to other, local charitable causes that are close to my heart including Tree of Dreams, benefitting Neighbor for Neighbor, SCAMP and Clarkston Schools

· My resume also includes being an investment property owner, landlord, land developer and home flipper. With my experience and expertise plus my valuable connections I can also offer temporary housing to clients ensuring the most harmonious moving transition possible!