Water Damage Insurance Claims and Documentation

Every policy is different, so read yours or ask your agent. The patterns below are common, but your declarations page and exclusions decide what applies.

This topic is part of our complete guide to water damage restoration. The articles for this topic are listed at the end of the page.

What is usually covered

• Usually covered: burst pipes, sudden appliance failures, accidental overflows, water used to put out a fire.
• Often excluded: gradual leaks, poor maintenance, groundwater, outside flooding, sewer backup without an endorsement.
• Commonly limited: mold remediation and the repair of the failed pipe or appliance itself.

Documenting a claim

1. Photos and video of the source, the water and the damage before cleanup.
2. Moisture readings and a drying log from the restoration crew.
3. An itemized estimate, usually written in Xactimate, the software most insurers use.
4. A list of damaged contents with approximate age and value.
5. Receipts for emergency purchases and extra living expenses.

We work with adjusters directly and can bill your carrier. See insurance billing.