Water damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file insurance claims in Colorado, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood areas of coverage. Unfortunately, not all water-related incidents are covered under standard dwelling policies, and many homeowners only discover these exclusions after it’s too late.
Don’t let this happen to you! In this blog, we’ll review several water damage exclusions you should be aware of so you can best navigate your policy and avoid unexpected claim denials. If you have any questions or experienced water damage in your Colorado home, please contact our firm at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie for assistance.
Common Water Damage Exclusions in Colorado Homeowners Insurance Policies
Colorado insurance companies may deny plumbing damage claims for various reasons, but commonly they may cite policy exclusions as their denial reason. Here are some of those exclusions to be aware of:
- Long-term leaks or seepage – One of the most frequent exclusions for water damage claims involves damage caused by long-term or repeated water leaks. For example, if a pipe has been leaking for a long time, your insurance is unlikely to cover it. Insurance companies typically only cover sudden, accidental water damage and deny coverage for issues that could have been addressed with routine maintenance.
- Neglected maintenance issues – As mentioned, if the damage is due to unresolved or neglected maintenance issues, your claim could be denied. That’s why it’s essential to stay on top of routine upkeep for your plumbing system. Failure to do so could leave you unprotected when something goes wrong.
- Water or sewer backups – Damage caused by sewer or water backups is generally not covered under a standard homeowner’s policy unless you’ve purchased additional coverage. However, this exclusion can be tricky. Some backups caused by clogs or breaks within your home’s plumbing system may still be covered depending on your policy’s details. Be sure to clarify with your insurer what types of backups are included under your policy so you don’t find yourself in a murky mess.
- Flood damage – Flood damage is another complex area. While most homeowners’ insurance policies exclude flood damage caused by water coming from outside the home, they will often cover significant water damage from internal sources like a burst pipe or roof leak. It’s important to differentiate between these two scenarios when speaking with your insurance provider to avoid any misunderstandings.
Plumbing damage claims can quickly turn into a complicated, frustrating ordeal, especially if your insurer denies your claim due to exclusions. If you believe your claim was unfairly denied or underpaid, your next call should be to us at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie Law Firm.
Our experienced attorneys specialize in property insurance disputes in Colorado, Florida and Louisiana and are here to ensure you receive the relief you deserve for your homeowner’s insurance claim. If you need an advocate or simply help navigating the complex insurance claim process, turn to our team of legal experts today. Call us at 720-277-9987 to speak to one of our Denver claims advisors.
