Usually covered
Standard homeowners policies cover water damage that is sudden and accidental. That tends to mean:
- A pipe, supply line or water heater that bursts.
- A washer, dishwasher or ice maker line that splits.
- Rain that comes in through a roof or window damaged by wind or hail in the same storm.
- A pipe that freezes and bursts in a house that was being heated.
Coverage usually pays to dry out and repair the damaged parts of the house, and your contents coverage pays for damaged belongings, minus your deductible.
Usually left out
- Flood. Water that rises from outside, like a creek overflowing or surface water running into the house, needs a separate flood policy. Most people buy it through the National Flood Insurance Program, which normally has a 30-day wait before coverage starts.
- Sewer and drain backup. Many policies leave this out unless you bought a water backup endorsement. The same endorsement usually covers sump pump overflow, which matters a lot in a city full of finished basements.
- Slow leaks and wear. A drip under a sink that went on for months, rot and long-term seepage are often treated as maintenance.
- Groundwater coming through basement walls or the floor.
Missouri claim timelines
Missouri's Department of Commerce and Insurance sets rules for how insurers handle claims. Under those regulations, an insurer generally has to:
- Acknowledge your claim within 10 working days of getting it.
- Send claim forms within 15 days if you ask for them.
- Accept or deny the claim within 15 days after it receives the forms and documents it needs, or tell you in writing why it needs more time.
- Update you on the investigation at least every 45 days while it stays open.
If an insurer goes quiet, those deadlines give you something specific to point to when you follow up.
Filing a clean claim
- Stop the water and get a restoration crew started. Policies expect you to prevent further damage.
- Photograph and video everything before it is moved.
- Call your insurer, open a claim and write down the number.
- Keep receipts for hotel stays, meals, equipment and emergency repairs.
- Hold onto damaged items, or clear photos of them, until the adjuster says you can toss them.
- Ask the restoration company for its moisture readings and photo log.
When you disagree
Ask the insurer to explain its decision in writing and point to the policy language it relied on. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance takes consumer complaints about insurers doing business in the state.
This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and your adjuster decide what is covered.
Related help in Lee's Summit
- Basement flood cleanup: Water out of finished and unfinished basements, with drying and tear-out where needed.
- Sewer backup cleanup: Safe cleanup and disinfection after sewage comes up a floor drain or toilet.
- Storm and flood damage: Cleanup after flash flooding, wind-driven rain or roof leaks from a storm.