Last Updated May 2025
Some, but not all, types of water damage are covered in a home insurance policy. If a leak is sudden and accidental, like a burst pipe, it’s generally covered. But water that comes from the bottom up, like flooding from an overflowing river, is not covered by home insurance (but separate flood insurance may be available), according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Learn more about homeowners insurance
Types of water damage covered by homeowners insurance
If the damage is a type covered by your policy, your dwelling coverage can help with repairs to walls, floors and other structural damage. Personal property coverage can help pay for restoring or replacing furniture, rugs and other belongings.
Plumbing
Generally, policies provide coverage if the damage is caused by sudden leaks from water pipes or plumbing fittings in your sink, shower, tub and toilet.
Example: A pipe inside an exterior wall freezes during an extreme cold snap and suddenly ruptures as it thaws, filling your home with inches of water. Repairs to your walls and floors, along with repair or replacement of sodden rugs and furniture, could be covered.
Appliances
Out-of-the-blue leaks from your dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator or other water-using household devices generally are covered.
Example: An intake hose on your washing machine suddenly gives way and floods the ground floor and basement. Damage to floors, rugs and things stored in the basement could be covered. (Repairs to the appliance itself are not covered.)
Exterior leaks
If rain or snow can get into your home because a covered event leaves your roof or siding vulnerable, damage could be covered.
Example: During a storm, branches from a tree toppled by high winds pierce your roof, letting rain pour in. Repairs to water-soaked walls, windows and floors, as well as to your possessions, could be covered.
Types of water damage not covered by homeowners insurance
Leaks caused by wear and tear or neglected maintenance
Plumbing, appliances, fixtures — all the things that handle water in your home — come under a lot of pressure, and over time their fittings and hoses need maintenance or replacement. Failure to take care of them can cause leaks and water damage.
Example: You’ve noticed a small drip from your shower handle but it’s not causing a big problem, so you ignore it. The studs behind the shower tile are getting soaked and eventually rot out; your insurance likely wouldn’t cover any resulting damage.
Flooding, or water that comes in from the ground up
Damage from storm surge, rising groundwater, a river flooding its banks, even an overflowing downspout are not covered by home insurance. But separate flood insurance may be available.
Example: You live in a coastal area prone to hurricanes, and the storm of the century sends the ocean surging inland, filling your first floor a foot deep. Neither your home nor its contents would be covered (unless you have flood insurance).
Sewer backup or sump pump overflow
The things that take water out of your house — sewers and sump pumps — can also let water in. When this happens, it’s considered a reverse-flow or backflow event and isn’t covered.
Example: During a storm, the city sewer in your neighborhood overfills and water and sewage back up into your basement. The floors, hot water heater and furnace are ruined but repairs wouldn’t be covered unless you have added, optional water backup coverage.
Roof or siding leaks resulting from poor maintenance, animals or rot
Example: Your shingle roof is showing its age. A few shingles are damaged or have blown off and you’ve noticed small damp spots in the attics. Then a summer thunderstorm hits, and your small leaks let in a flood. You’re likely not covered.
Does home insurance cover water damage from leaking pipes?
Often, but not always. If a pipe ruptures suddenly — if it freezes during an extreme cold snap or a previously undetectable flaw gives way — water damage from plumbing can be covered. But slow leaks that develop over time — if rust gradually corrodes a pipe or an aging hose isn’t replaced — these are considered maintenance issues and wouldn’t be covered. Installing a leak detection device can help you identify small problems before they cause serious damage.
The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. The information is provided by Farmers® and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to this article or the information, products, services or related graphics, if any, contained in this article for any purpose. The information is not meant as professional or expert advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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