Water leaks around windows are a common problem for Mississippi homeowners with older homes. When water starts leaking around window frames, many homeowners assume their flood insurance will cover the damage. However, that isn’t always the case once the source of the leak is determined. Let your insurance agent at Riverside Insurance Agency Inc., serving Byram, MS, help clarify.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
Under National Flood Insurance Program policies, flood damage is defined as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation affecting two or more acres or two or more properties from an outside water source, such as rivers, storm surge, or runoff from excessive rain. However, if water is leaking into the home due to improper installation, deteriorated caulking, or a manufacturer’s defect, it isn’t considered a flood event. Instead, it’s treated as a preventable issue addressed through regular maintenance. Water leaks caused by maintenance issues are not covered by a flood policy.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover It?
Homeowners insurance covers many issues that a flood policy doesn’t. In the case of window leaks, most scenarios involving window seal failure would fall under a homeowner’s policy instead. Mississippi homeowners should review their homeowners and flood policies together to identify any gaps in coverage. If the water intrusion resulted from a sudden, accidental event, such as water leaking in during an active storm, it is most likely to be covered.
Take Pictures of Water Damage
Photos can help determine the cause of water damage. Insurance adjusters look closely at the source of the water. Water that entered from outside due to rising floodwaters is treated differently from water that seeped in gradually due to missing caulking or improper installation.
Understanding when water damage is covered by flood insurance through Riverside Insurance Agency Inc., serving Byram, MS, helps Mississippi homeowners set reasonable expectations when filing a claim. Contact us to learn more.
