Which Water Damage Does Standard Home Insurance Cover in Fort Lauderdale?

Water damage is often a sticking point for those filing property insurance claims in Fort Lauderdale. The exact nature and source of the water sometimes become a subject of considerable debate, and some homeowners may receive denied claims based on these disputes. As a homeowner in Fort Lauderdale, it makes sense to fully understand the specific type of water damage a standard policy covers.

The General Rule Regarding Water Damage in Florida 

The general rule regarding water damage is that if it originates from within your home, your standard home insurance policy should cover it. This is true not only in Florida, but across the entire nation. So what does that actually look like?

A common example is water damage caused by a burst pipe. Since the leak originates from within your home, this type of accident should be covered by your home insurance policy – even if you did not purchase additional flood insurance.

If you accidentally overfill your bathtub or sink, the resulting damage should also be covered under your standard policy. Did your dishwasher or washing machine break and cause a leak? This should also be covered under your normal homeowners’ insurance.

When Water Damage Gets Complicated 

That said, there are certain situations when water damage could be covered under a standard policy even if it originates from outside your home. For example, severe wind might rip off some of your roof tiles or shingles. If it subsequently rains and a leak occurs because of this damage, this should also be covered under a standard policy.

The same logic applies if a tree branch falls onto your ceiling and causes a hole to form. If water begins to ingress into your home and cause damage, you should be covered under a standard policy. This is because the water damage is caused by what’s called a “standard peril.”

What Type of Water Damage Is NOT Covered by a Standard Policy? 

Various types of flood damage are not covered by standard policies in Fort Lauderdale. For example, heavy rain during a hurricane could cause your street to fill with water. If water then begins to ingress into your home from the outside and there is no “covered peril” involved, your standard policy will likely not cover the damage. This also applies to sewer backups.

If you have experienced water damage and your claim has been denied, consider speaking with an experienced property insurance lawyer for further guidance.

 Can a Property Insurance Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Help Me? 

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.

Sources: 

nbcnews.com/business/consumer/hurricane-milton-helene-insurance-nightmares-torment-florida-residents-rcna175088