Is There Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Water Heater?
A water heater is an appliance to be found in almost every home. Have you ever wondered what if it is damaged or causes damage to your home? Will it be covered by your homeowners insurance? This blog covers all the relevant information you will want to know about the scope of coverage for a water heater in your insurance.
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage Include a Water Heater?
Homeowners insurance does not cover the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the electrical appliances that you may have in your home. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to ensure that all your appliances are in optimum running condition. However, if the water heater is damaged due to a covered peril, your insurance provider may cover the repair or replacement costs that you may incur.
Some insurance providers also offer an optional homeowners insurance endorsement, equipment breakdown insurance, that covers breakdowns and malfunctioning of appliances and systems in your home.
Coverage for Damage by Water Heater in Your Homeowners Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance may cover damage by a malfunctioning water heater to your home and your belongings if the peril that caused the damage to the appliance is included in your homeowners policy. If the water heater suddenly leaks or drains and causes flooding that leads to damage to the items and structure of your home, you may file a claim to let your insurance provider pay for the repairs.
However, your claim may be denied, and you may have to pay for the repairs from your own pocket if they determine that the malfunction was due to the following factors:
Lack of maintenance
Wear and tear
Age
Improper installation
Manufacturing defect
Plumbing system malfunction
Coverage for Hot Water Heater Replacement in Your Homeowners Insurance
Unless the breakdown of the water heater is due to a covered peril, like repair costs, the replacement costs, too, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance. The more common option to cover the replacement costs of a damaged water heater is to buy an extended warranty.
Regular maintenance and servicing of your water heater by a professional are essential to prevent an accident. Any fault or damage in the appliance can be detected early and can be repaired or replaced sooner, thus averting damage to your home and your belongings, and it also will cost you less money.
Expenses Covered for Hot Water Heater Damage-Related Accepted Claims
If your insurance provider accepts your claim for water damage from your malfunctioning water heater, the costs that your insurance may cover are for the following:
Draining the flooded water and cleaning the area
Clearing the area of all debris
Repairing and replacing your damaged personal belongings or the structure of your home caused by the water damage
Important Steps You Must Take to Prevent Hot Water Heater Damage
Buy an annual maintenance contract with a professional service provider
Check for leakages
Flush out the sediment build-up once every six months
Clean the water heater filters
Protect You Home with Jack Stone Insurance
If you want more information on how to keep your home safe from unexpected accidents, contact us today. At Jack Stone Insurance Agency, we can help you find the most comprehensive home insurance coverage at affordable rates.
