Water damage comes in many forms, including: a pipe bursts, filling your basement with water; a bathtub overflows, damaging the ceiling below; or, a dishwasher leaks, ruining your hardwood floors. Whatever form it takes, the resulting damage can be devastating. Today, water damage is one of the most common types of home insurance claims in North America. Water damage claims amount to double that of fire and theft claims combined.
There are many steps you can take to prevent water damage. That said, the only way to financially protect your family and home against water damage is to buy water damage insurance. In North America, most home insurance providers give you the option of adding water damage insurance to your policy. At Square One Insurance Services, our policies automatically include protection against most types of water damage. No paying extra. To learn more about water damage insurance, review the information provided below.
Does home insurance cover water damage? |
Most home insurance policies do provide some coverage for damage caused by water. However, it’s probably one of the most confusing coverages in any policy. And, the type and amount of coverage provided varies widely by provider. If you have a comprehensive policy, which protects against all loss types except those specifically excluded, you might think you’re covered. That’s likely not the case. Most providers specifically exclude damage resulting from water. Some providers add limited water damage protection back in to the base policy. Other providers make you specifically add and pay for water damage protection. Please note that insurance for damage caused by coastal flood, ground water, rising water tables, waves, tidal waves, or tsunamis is not widely available in North America. As a result, the government has financial assistance programs in place. It’s also worth noting that some providers do not cover damage caused by inland flood. At Square One, our comprehensive home insurance policy automatically includes protection against most types of water damage with very few exclusions. These exclusions are clearly listed under our water damage exclusions section. If you’d like, please use the button below to download sample policy wordings and review the water damage exclusions. Download sample policy wordings |
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What does water damage insurance cover? |
In a traditional policy, coverage is provided for damage caused by:
Often water backup is included, but with many providers you must specifically add and pay for this coverage. Even if water backup is covered, it may only cover the backing up of a sewer drain located inside your home. For example, there may be no coverage for damage resulting from an external drain that clogs and backs up, causing water to enter under your door. As mentioned earlier, home insurance policies in North America generally do not cover damage resulting from coastal floods, rising waters, tidal waves or tsunamis. Among other things, most policies also exclude damage caused by gradual, continuous or repeated seepage or leakage of water over a period of time. And, most policies will also exclude damage resulting from freezing and bursting pipes if you are away from your home during the usual heating season for more than 4 days (7 days at Square One) unless you:
Water damage may not be covered at all if you have a rental, vacant or vacation property. Many providers have also introduced sub-limits for damage resulting from water backups. This makes it even more important to read your policy carefully, or speak to your insurance provider, to make sure you have the broadest protection available. Square One automatically includes protection against most types of water damage, including water backup, up to the limits selected, in virtually all of its home insurance policies. |
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How much does water damage insurance cost? |
Depending on your home insurance provider, water damage insurance may be included in the base policy. Or you may need to specifically add and pay for water and water backup damage protection. If your provider requires you to add this protection, it may cost anywhere from $10 to $250 (or more) a year to get the broadest protection available. Virtually all home insurance policies offered by Square One automatically include protection against most types of water damage, including water backup. No paying extra. |
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What is the deductible for water damage? |
The deductible for water damage will most likely be the same as your standard policy deductible, which typically ranges from $500 to $5,000. |
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Response to my claim was much faster than I expected, because it was such a relatively small matter. Adjuster, restorator crew and flooring supplier all arrived within a few hours of my reporting the claim. Winmar's crew was fantastic. The flooring installer did a stellar job. I love it! Thank you for including the laundry room floor. You only find out how good your insurance is when you have a claim. I could not be happier and I'm telling everyone to check out Square One when their policy comes up for renewal.
I've been with Square One for years and have always been impressed with their service. One standout feature is the ease of changing coverage online. It's incredibly convenient and hassle-free. Whether I need to adjust my policy or add additional coverage, I can do it with just a few clicks. This level of flexibility gives me peace of mind knowing that my home is adequately protected without any unnecessary complications. Overall, I highly recommend Square One for their excellent service and user-friendly online platform.
I found Square One online at a time that I was shopping around for auto insurance to replace my existing policy. I applied online and requested for a quote and the next day I received a call from Kathy Vallance and guess what? I ended up purchasing two policies — auto and home together at an affordable price. Kathy honoured all promises of calling back all the way till close. Kathy is a true professional in her field and in my opinion an honest person too. I take this opportunity to urge all and sundry to go and purchase auto and home insurance with Square One.
Who loves dealing with insurance? Nobody, that’s who, but it is necessary. Square One makes the process simple and easy to understand and complete. Even when I had some additional details that made my policy non-typical, the agent I dealt with communicated clearly and was very pleasant. They make a dry topic easy to deal with. Will for sure recommend and continue to use!
I was extremely happy with the service provided by Brett Vancise. He was so versed with his work and guided me through the entire process. He was calm and explained to me every detail concerning the policies. I ended up saving a great deal as compare to my previous insurance provider. I have so far referred several of my friends to this company.
My landlord suggested your company to me as a new tenant because of its efficiency and accessibility, and let me tell you it was as easy as making microwaved popcorn, literally… Thank you so much Square One, it’s a good feeling to know that your home and belongings have a professional protection plan in place.
Hasti was one of the support agents who supported me patiently to complete the policy order. Also, the online form and the T&C of the policies are clearly understandable! I have total of 4 titled owners of the property that it allows the info to be input to the system individually (No kidding! Other insurance systems don\'t allow to do this... This online app is absolutely user-friendly! The cost of the policy is not bad comparing with the competitors. I would highly recommend Square One to anyone who is shopping for better services and pricing!
I recently purchased an insurance policy from Square One. We were so pleased with the ease of application but also how thorough they are in the questionnaire in regards to our property. Square One makes it possible to have the coverage you need with a price that is affordable.
Very friendly online portal to select and purchase my new tenant insurance policy with Square One. A friend referred me, based on her total satisfaction to date. We both have received our promotional gifts (Amazon gift card for me, and the $25 account credit for her!). The coverage is excellent for my needs, at very good cost (good value for money). Telephone inquiry about one concern was handled promptly, courteously and satisfactorily. Thank you for the good service and product. I feel to be in good hands with Square One.
I am very pleased to be able to secure a tenant policy with less hustle. Everything done online without the involvement of any agent as I don't have time to speak on the phone. All the forms filled up are very comprehensive and easy to understand. One of the cheap premiums on the market as well. Great service! Good job.