March 11, 2021 Β· ACI Adjustment Group
It does and it does not. It depends on the insurance policy and the cause of water damage.
Whether or not you actually get monetary compensation from the insurance company also depends on how your claim is presented and who represents you in front of the insurance company.
Let's see the legal and technical aspects of insurance coverage for toilet overflow.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Toilet Overflow?
In principle any damage caused by something beyond the homeowners' control is generally covered by insurance. In case of toilet overflow the following are generally covered:
The damage caused by drain blockage within the property.
Toilet overflow caused by a malfunctioning sump pump in the property.
Water damage caused by frozen or cracked sewer lines in the property.
Any sudden overflow of the toilet caused by something beyond the owner's control.
Flood-related toilet overflow is generally covered if the owner has flood insurance.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Toilet Overflow Always?
As a general rule, any damage done to an insured property due to the negligence of the owner is not covered by insurance. The cases where you have high chances of not being entitled to a claim include:
Toilet overflow and damage done by a faulty sump pump outside the building.
Damage due to a clogged drain or sewer line outside the building.
Damage caused by any plumbing fault that could be mitigated by the owner earlier.
Damage resulting from progressive damage or deterioration of the sewer lines.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Toilet Overflow Related Damages?
There are three heads that an insurance policy covers if your insured property is damaged by toilet overflow.
Dwelling Costs This covers the costs of the repair of the immediate damages caused by toilet overflow. It includes fixing the problem to prevent overflow from happening in the future and repairing/replacing any damaged parts.
Personal Property Costs This covers the damage caused to appliances, furniture, or electronics caused by an overflowing toilet.
Extra Living Expenditure This is not commonly covered in all insurance policies. If your insurance policy covers these costs, it will cover the expenditure on gas, food, travel, and hotel rent if you have to temporarily relocate during the repair works at your property.
How to Get Insurance Claim for Toilet Overflow
Toilet overflow is a tricky insurance claim situation. There are a number of legal and technical twists in the claim procedure and the terms and conditions of insurance policies that can create a problem.
You need the services of a public adjuster to get the proper insurance claim for damages done to your property by an overflowing toilet.
A public adjuster will start by studying your insurance policy to find out what damages are generally covered by it.
On the next step, they will prepare an estimate of the costs for the repair and prove it to the insurance agency on your behalf.
Then they'll follow up your case to make sure you get the highest legally possible compensation within the shortest time.
We hope, by now, you'd have learned does homeowners insurance cover toilet overflow? Here's what you need to know next!
ACI Adjustment Group Services
Insurance policy review to help you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
Evaluating damages that are generally covered under your insurance policy.
Proving the damages done to your property so that you get claim money according to the damage.
Following up with your insurance claim process to get it processed fast.