Understanding the Basics of Water Damage Coverage in Your Missouri Home or Farm Policy
Water can be one of the most destructive forces for your home or farm, and when it gets inside, the damage can be costly. Whether you are protecting your primary residence, rental property, seasonal home, or outbuildings, it is important to understand how your insurance policy may respond to water damage.
The challenge is that coverage depends on what caused the water to get in. Not all water-related losses are treated the same. Some situations may be covered under your homeowners or farm insurance, while others are likely not.
Here are a few examples to help clarify the differences.
Sudden Pipe Burst – May Be Covered
A pipe that bursts without warning and causes immediate damage is typically considered a covered peril on standard homeowners or farm insurance policies. This kind of event is unexpected and accidental, which aligns with how most policies are written.
It is important to take preventive steps, especially during colder months in Missouri, such as maintaining indoor heat to help prevent frozen pipes.
Slow Leaks Over Time – Likely Not Covered
Damage from slow, continuous leaks that develop over time is usually not covered. For example, a small leak under a sink or behind a wall that goes unnoticed for weeks or months could be considered a maintenance issue. Insurance policies are not designed to cover wear and tear or neglect.
Sump Pump or Backup Failure – May Be Covered with Endorsement
If your sump pump fails and your basement floods, there may be coverage if your policy includes a specific sump pump or water backup endorsement. These endorsements often carry their own limits and must be added to your policy ahead of time, so it is important to discuss this with your agent before a problem occurs.
Surface Water or Groundwater – Likely Not Covered
Water that enters the home from outside, such as heavy rains that cause pooling or runoff into a basement, is usually classified as surface water. Standard homeowners and farm policies typically do not cover this type of damage. These situations may fall under the category of flood, which requires separate flood insurance coverage.
Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is highly recommended for properties located near rivers, low-lying areas, or places prone to runoff. Our agents are able to facilitate the NFIP for you.
So, What Should You Do?
Protecting your property starts with two things: knowing what your insurance policy may cover, and taking steps to prevent water damage in the first place.
Regular home maintenance is a critical part of prevention. Here are some tasks every property owner should prioritize:
- Keep gutters cleared at least twice per year.
- Ensure downspouts extend far enough from your foundation to carry water away.
- Make sure the grade around your home slopes away from the foundation.
- Test your sump pump system twice a year.
- Check for signs of leaks under sinks, around appliances, and near water heaters.
- Always keep the number of a trusted mitigation expert on hand. Most of them have 24/7 emergency service. Waiting on water damage will lead to extenuating damage and potentially severe health risks.
Taking care of your home can help you avoid unexpected water damage and ensure that, if something does happen, you have the right coverage in place.
At LCM Insurance Agency Inc, we are here through all the seasons and all the reasons you need us. Our knowledgeable team is happy to review your current coverage and make sure it aligns with your needs—whether you are in town, on the farm, or somewhere in between.
