Property Damage Lawyers Specializing in Damages Caused by Plumbing Leaks
Unlike water damage caused by natural sources, which aren’t always covered by your normal Florida home insurance policy, any water damage caused by a plumbing leak should be covered. However, there may be exceptions or policy exclusions that complicate your claim process.
For instance, the insurance company differentiates between sudden plumbing leaks and slow drip leaks. If the insurance company believes water damage from a slow drip plumbing leak could have been avoided with prompt action on your part, they may make your claim process more difficult.
According to most home insurance contracts, homeowners have a duty to minimize damage and the potential for claims. This means not only performing maintenance and upkeep as needed but also taking initial reparative steps if a covered peril occurs, like a leak.
This distinction between slow drips and sudden leaks isn’t always fair to homeowners in Florida. What about a scenario in which there’s a slow drip under a bathroom sink attached to a rarely used spare bedroom? Even a small amount of water can lead to mold or wood rot, which can lead to expensive claims.
Most people would consider it unreasonable that homeowners be constantly checking all their exposed pipes for leaks, but the insurance company may be looking for ways to potentially deny or undervalue your claim.
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Do I Need Special Coverage for Sewer Backups and Overflows?
Yes, your normal home insurance policy likely does not cover sewer backups or overflows. You can likely get a supplemental policy to specifically cover potential sewer backups or overflow property damage.
Technically, the pipe that connects your home to the city’s sewer system is a public utility that’s owned by the city. Since your home insurer isn’t technically liable for its repair in the event that it’s damaged, they also aren’t liable for the effects of that damage, like sewer backups in your home or on your property.
This is particularly unfortunate considering how disgusting, messy and expensive sewer backups can be. If you’re concerned about sewer backups, you should check with your local city government. Many offer service line warranties. Some home insurance companies also offer optional policy endorsements to cover damage to your home or yard in the event of a sewer backup or overflow.
Is My Claim’s Fate in the Hands of a Single Policy Adjuster?
That depends on you and the situation. For some homeowners, a single poorly trained policy adjuster can spell ruin for their claim. However, you do have options if your initial claim is denied, delayed or undervalued.
Policyholders can appeal the decision of an initial claims adjuster and their manager. You can also contact your own public adjuster to investigate the damage and your policy on your behalf. This public adjuster may be able to find details your insurance company’s adjuster missed.
You can also contact a property damage lawyer in Florida for help with your claim denial. Our team at Kanner & Pintaluga understands how expensive plumbing leak claims can get. A claim denial or anything less than full recovery could cause your family significant financial hardship.
We’re committed to preventing that from happening. Our team will thoroughly investigate your situation and work with independent experts to advocate on your behalf.
Schedule a free consultation with our plumbing leak team by calling 800-586-5555.