When a plumbing emergency or general plumbing problem occurs, and you have to call a plumber, the costs involved can be inconvenient. We often get asked, “Are plumbing leaks covered by insurance?” The answer is, “It depends.” There are different types of costs and damages involved when plumbing leaks happen. Moreover, each insurance policy is different and are hard to understand at the best of times.
The first place to check:
This article aims to answer, “What plumbing leaks are covered by insurance?”, but the first place you should check is your policy. The advice offered in this article is general, not all-encompassing. If you have concerns and queries about your insurance’s coverage, the first place to check is your policy. It might be painful to dust off and read the booklet or PDF that came with your policy, but it will have the most accurate answers. With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s look at what leak damage is covered by your insurance.
Leaks: What’s covered and what isn’t?
Based on a few different policies, the following points detail what leaks are (and aren’t) covered by insurance.
1 – Will insurance cover leaks when maintenance is involved?
It won’t be covered if a leakage could have been prevented with regular maintenance based on various policies. Essentially, if the leak is caused by negligence or neglect, it won’t be covered.
2 – Are finding and repairing a leak covered by insurance?
Some policies cover the cost of identifying and fixing damage caused by a leak; however, there are limits. For example, the cost of repairing the leaks itself will not likely be covered by insurance. Repairing the damage caused by the leak, on the other hand, should be covered. However, insurance policies often have limits on how much they will pay.
3 – Is plumbing leak damage to the house covered by insurance?
Where structural damage has occurred to the home, most policies will not cover it. Particularly with regards to damaged caused by blocked gutters, drains, hail, etc.
4 – Are plumbing leaks caused by trees covered?
If a tree’s roots have grown into your pipes and caused a leak, it’s not usually covered by insurance, unfortunately.
Do I have a water leak?
Now that you know what leaks and leak damage is covered by insurance, how can you tell if your house has a leak? There are many signs of leaks in your home: discolouration of surfaces, mould growth, damp floor, puddles around water fixtures, increased water usage, warped surfaces and walls, etc. By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can prevent needing to ask the insurance company, “Does my insurance cover leaks?”
For a complete procedure on determining if your house has a leak and how to find it, check out our recent blog – A Brisbane Plumber’s Guide To Finding a Water Leak. By finding a leak early and doing your part to keep your how maintained, you won’t have to worry about whether or not your insurance policy covers leaks.
How to prevent leaks?
The easiest way to prevent leaks and appeal to your insurance policy is maintenance. If your plumbing is well maintained, you can rest assured that you have done your part to avoid leaks. Plus, if you do get a leak, it is more likely to be covered by your insurance.
Need help with a leak?
If you have a leak or a suspected leak, get in contact with The Brisbane Plumbers. Our friendly experts can help you find and repair your leaks anytime – day or night. We operate around the clock and the calendar – 24/7/365. If you need general plumbing and maintenance or an emergency leak, call 1300 847 086. Meanwhile, if you want more information about plumbing leaks and your home insurance, check out Suncorp’s article on the topic.