Whether or not homeowner's insurance would cover water damage related to a dishwasher or other appliance depends upon a number of factors. The source of the damage, the nature of the damage and the terms and conditions of the homeowner's policy are a few of the questions to be explored.
The Policy Terms
U.S. insurance is regulated by states so there can be 50 varying regulatory regimes. Additionally, companies sell different insurance products within their own areas. Some homeowners opt for only the basic insurance requirements their lender demands. Others choose far higher levels of coverage. To understand what is either covered in a limited way or not covered at all, you would need to read the exclusions and limitations within your homeowner's policy. In general, homeowner's insurance is likely to cover the damage caused by sudden accidental eruptions of water.
A Sudden and Accidental Occurrence
One day during your dishwasher's regular operation a sudden gush of water might spew out under its door. You disconnect the electric power source for safety. You mop up all the water as soon as is humanly possible. You engage a qualified repair person as soon as you can to repair the dishwasher. You notice that the flooring material is newly discolored, bubbling and peeling away from the floor. You phone your homeowner's insurance company or agent.
Water Damage Covered
The damage to the floor would likely be covered because of several factors. First, there is nothing in your policy exclusions or limitations section that indicates such damage is not covered. Next, your dishwasher was in good repair and well maintained. The water eruption was sudden and accidental. Also, you took all reasonable precautions to ensure that no damage occurred beyond the immediate situation.
It is important to note that the cause of the flood, the burst or broken pipe in the dishwasher, may or may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance. You might have to buy the replacement parts or have the dishwasher repaired or replaced out of your own funds. If you have home warranty insurance, a different insurance product, the home warranty insurance may cover the appliance after your deductible is paid.
Deferred Maintenance
An alternative scenario could be that your dishwasher has been leaving a small puddle at the end of each dishwashing cycle for months. Sometimes you leave for work with the dishwasher on and return many hours later to find the pooled puddle in front of the dishwasher. The flooring material has lifted and curled back. One day, the puddle of water becomes a flood. You call your insurer.
Water Damage Not Covered
In the eyes of your insurance company, the damage may not be sudden or accidental. It may be attributed to negligence. An insurance adjuster who examines the floor and the dishwasher may determine that the leakage took place over an extended period of time. If you did not take reasonable precautions to remedy the damage the faulty appliance was causing, the insurance claim is likely to be denied.
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