My Washing Machine Leaked: Can I File a Property Insurance Claim in Fort Lauderdale?

You leave your washing machine on and step out for a quick coffee or snack. When you return, you find a serious leak and considerable damage. What should you do next? Will your insurance cover the damage? What about the deductible? These are questions you might want to explore alongside an experienced insurance claims lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.

Your Property Insurance Should Cover the Damage

Most standard property insurance policies in Florida should cover the damage associated with a washing machine leak. Whether the pipe burst or the internal components of the washing machine failed, your policy generally covers leaks and floods that originate from within your property.

Was the Leak Sudden?

An important detail might be the nature of the washing machine leak. If the leak was sudden and unexpected, your policy should cover the damage without any further issues. If the leak occurred gradually over time and you failed to notice the issue, your insurance options could be more limited. This is why you should always pay close attention to the performance of your washing machine and check regularly for signs of leakage/moisture. Regular and proper maintenance of your washing machine may also be necessary to preserve your insurance coverage.

For example, you might have stepped out for a brief moment while your washing machine was running. If you returned later to find the washing machine leaking profusely, you should be covered under your insurance policy.

On the other hand, you might have gone on vacation for several weeks. If you return home to find your washing machine leaking, the insurance company might argue that the leak was not sudden. This may make it more challenging to cover the damage under your policy. Issues like these highlight the importance of asking a friend, neighbor, or family member to check on your home while you’re gone.

What About the Washing Machine Manufacturer?

Unfortunately, the washing machine manufacturer does not shoulder any responsibility or legal liability for leaks that damage your property. The only exception is the washing machine itself, which may be covered under a warranty. The manufacturer may agree to replace the washing machine, but it will not help you pay for any damage to your property. This is true even if the washing machine was obviously defective. For further guidance, consider speaking with an experienced insurance lawyer.

 Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Property Insurance Lawyers Today

At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders. If your property insurance claim was denied, we can help. For a free consultation, please call us today at (954) 990-5251. With an office in Sunrise, we represent policyholders in Broward County and throughout the state of Florida.

Source:

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