I’ve never filed a claim on my homeowner’s policy. So I’m wondering. Do most policies usually cover water damage? I have two different types of damage to consider. I have State Farm Florida and haven’t read the policy in a few years. I may need to file a claim if they’re going to cancel me soon anyway.
One problem is from broken or leaking pipes in my master bath. It appears that water leading up to the shower head has been leaking down inside the wall. I started noticing water damage on the drywall next to where the tile ends a few inches above the tub. I pretty much pushed my finger through it like it was wet card board. And no, the builder did not use green board behind the tile either. The wall with the pipes joins my daughter’s bedroom. From what I can tell, I’m going to have to remove the tile and drywall from the shower and repair the pipes. Then replace the backer board and tile. I’m sure I need to have the area tested for mold as well.
The other problem I have is water damage/wood rot around two French doors that lead out to the back deck. One from the living room and one from the master bedroom. I don’t know what’s causing it or why it’s not draining away correctly. I probably need to replace the wood doors with fiberglass and will need to have the area around the doors tested for mold as well.
I know three of my neighbors in the development have had similar problems, but I didn’t ask them if they filed a claim with their insurance when they had the repairs made. The homes were all built about 8 to 10 years ago by the same builder. Shotty material and workmanship I’m sure.
Usually your policy will only pay for damage resulting from an accident or occurrence. Your issues sound more like poor workmanship issues. The company may also differentiate based on the repair. For example, they may pay to repair the bathroom / bedroom walls but not fix the shoddy plumbing work. Same for the wood rot on the exterior doors. They may pay to fix the damage but not fix the shoddy work that caused the damage.
Homeowners insurance is funny sometimes. I had a flood – 7" of rain in a short time, and water actually came through a few cracks in the foundation, filling the basement with 1-2" of water.
I have protection from flood if a pipe bursts, or if sewer backs up. NOT in the case above. Agent says, “you need flood insurance for that”. Since I don’t live in a floodplain, I can’t get it. An interesting catch-22.
If you’re going to be in the market for a new homeowner’s policy, I’d try to avoid filing a claim right now, doubly so if it’s for something that could give the appearance that it was mold-related. The insurers database those kinds of things, and will share their claims information among themselves.
I had an online friend who filed a black mold claim on house #1, then got a job transfer to another city in Texas. She actually had to delay closing on her new house because she had such a hard time finding someone willing to write a homeowner’s policy for a person with that kind of previous claim on their record.
Not sure about whether or not homeowners insurance would cover the problems, but I strongly suggest you contact an attorney to discuss a possible suit against the builder. There is a good chance the statute of limitations did not start to run until you had reason to become aware of some defect in workmanship in your house. Do not be lazy about this and do it now. People too often let builders get away with crap like this. It puts people at risk for injuries and illness and they are rarely held accountable. If you are in the Tallahassee area I know one or two guys you should get in touch with.
As to the mold… take care of it NOW. Mold can cause serious health problems and is not something to mess around with, especially in Fl where climate conditions can foster its fast growth and spread.
Also, in Florida, most insurers limit their coverage for mold. We added extra coverage for mold damage because mold can spread so fast and decimate 2 to 3 rooms before you even know it.
Homeowners insurance is funny sometimes. I had a flood – 7" of rain in a short time, and water actually came through a few cracks in the foundation, filling the basement with 1-2" of water.
I have protection from flood if a pipe bursts, or if sewer backs up. NOT in the case above. Agent says, “you need flood insurance for that”. Since I don’t live in a floodplain, I can’t get it. An interesting catch-22.
This is how it was explained to me by my agent. It the water comes up into the house, not covered. If the water comes down into the house, covered. That was the simplistic way to differentiate between flood and rain water.
You won’t know until you ask. If you don’t like what they tell you, then you can decide whether or not to fight it.
From what you’ve described, it sounds to me as if you have a valid claim. We had an inside plumbing leak several years ago. Lots 'o damage to walls, carpet, etc… Total bill about $6k IIRC. Completely covered, including emergency water removal and drying…minus deductible, of course.