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Water damage can happen suddenly and leave you dealing with an expensive mess, including ruined flooring, damaged furniture and cabinets, peeling paint, or broken appliances. While many types of water damage are covered by homeowners’ insurance, insurance companies don’t always uphold their end of the deal. You may find yourself appealing a lowball settlement offer or even facing an outright denial.

If you need help disputing a water damage claim covered by your home insurance, the bad faith insurance attorneys at Brasher Law are here to help.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Home Insurance Claims

Between 2019 and 2023, water damage was the second most common reason for filing a home insurance claim.

In coastal areas of Texas and Louisiana, hurricanes and severe weather can damage your home’s roof or windows, allowing water to enter your home.

Other common causes of water damage in homes include:

  • Burst pipes
  • Appliance failures, such as dishwashers or refrigerators
  • Sudden roof leaks
  • Overflowing sinks or toilets

Is Water Damage Covered by Home Insurance?

Coverage for water damage in Texas and Louisiana depends on the cause of the damage and the type of insurance policy you have. Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover water damage that is sudden and accidental, such as a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance. These policies may also provide coverage for certain types of storm-related damage, including wind-driven rain that enters the home after a covered event.

For homeowners along the Texas coast, wind and hurricane damage is often covered through a separate policy issued by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). TWIA coverage can apply when wind or hail from a coastal storm damages your roof, windows, or structure, which may then lead to interior water damage. Understanding how your homeowners’ policy and TWIA policy work together is critical when evaluating coverage after a storm.

However, flooding—such as rising water from storm surge, heavy rainfall, or overflowing waterways—is generally covered only through a separate flood insurance policy, often provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

Gradual leaks or seepage are also typically not covered under a standard home insurance policy. For example, if you knew your home had a leaking pipe but failed to address it for weeks.

How to File a Home Insurance Claim for Water Damage

Every insurance company’s filing process is slightly different, but water damage claims generally follow these steps:

  1. Take swift action: Stop the source of the water and begin drying out the affected area. Heavy-duty fans can help circulate air and prevent mold growth.
  2. Document the damage: Take photos and videos of all affected areas and create a list of damaged items.
  3. Track all your expenses: Keep records of cleanup costs, repairs, and temporary living expenses such as hotels or pet boarding.
  4. Contact your insurance company: Call, email, or submit your claim through your insurer’s platform.
  5. File your claim: Include all relevant information, photos, and documentation. An adjuster may review your claim digitally or schedule an in-person inspection.
  6. Wait for a settlement offer: Your adjuster will review your claim and either make an offer or deny it.

Why Would Insurance Deny a Water Damage Claim?

Your homeowner policy may clearly state that you’re covered for water damage, and you may have faithfully paid your premiums for years. However, not all insurance companies honor their obligations—they are in the business of making money, not protecting your interests.

They may delay or outright deny your water damage claim for any of the following reasons:

  • Flooding damage: Your damage may be classified as flooding, which is not a covered peril under standard homeowners’ insurance.
  • Gradual damage: The insurer may claim the damage resulted from wear and tear rather than a sudden event.
  • Failure to mitigate: The insurer may argue that you did not take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
  • Lack of documentation: Missing photos, videos, or receipts can weaken your claim.
  • Bad faith: Some insurers act in bad faith by misrepresenting your claim or the circumstances surrounding the damage.

How Much Does Insurance Pay for Water Damage?

According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, the average water damage claim payout was $15,400 between 2019 and 2023. However, the amount you receive depends on the extent of the damage and your policy limits.

When Should I Get a Lawyer for a Water Damage Claim?

Not every water damage claim requires an attorney. However, if your claim is repeatedly delayed, unfairly denied, or the insurance company refuses to settle, you may benefit from speaking with a homeowners’ insurance attorney, like those at Brasher Law.

Talk with a Texas Property Damage Lawyer for Water Damage

Dealing with a water-damaged home is stressful enough—you shouldn’t also have to fight your insurance company over your claim.

If you’re facing delays, unfair denials, or other challenges with your claim, Brasher Law is ready to advocate on your behalf and hold the insurance company accountable.

We serve residents throughout Texas and Louisiana. Call our office today at (888) 989-2889 to speak with our attorneys.

 

Brasher Law Firm is licensed in TX, LA, CO, UT, OK, and NV