How does a home insurance claim for a water leak work?
Short answer. A water leak claim moves in stages: stop the water and protect the house, report the claim, have the damage dried and documented, meet the adjuster, then receive payment for drying, repairs and damaged belongings. When the leak came from the roof, the roof repair is judged separately from the interior, based on what caused the leak.
Step by step
- Stop the source. Shut the water main for plumbing leaks. For a roof leak, tarp the roof and catch the drips inside.
- Document before cleanup. Photos and video of ceilings, walls, floors and belongings, plus the source.
- Report the claim. Give the date the leak started and what caused it if you know.
- Start drying. A mitigation company extracts water and sets dehumidifiers and air movers. Wet materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold. Keep their moisture logs.
- Adjuster inspection. The adjuster looks at the source, the extent of damage and the drying records.
- Estimates. One for mitigation, one for the rebuild, and if the roof is involved, one for the roof.
- Payment. Often several checks: mitigation, building repairs, contents, and later any recoverable depreciation.
How the cause shapes the claim
- Storm-damaged roof: roof repair and interior damage both covered, subject to the deductible.
- Worn roof or slow plumbing leak: the repair of the source is usually your cost, and long-term seepage damage is often excluded.
- Sudden pipe burst: water damage covered, though the pipe repair may not be.
If you have to move out
Loss of use coverage pays reasonable extra living costs while the home is unlivable from a covered loss. Keep receipts.
Related: interior water damage from roof leaks, your duty to mitigate and how to file.