Tips on Homeowners Insurance: MA Water Damage

To protect your home from the financial consequences of damage by sudden disaster, it’s essential to have homeowners insurance in MA.  The state is often hit by natural disasters but even seemingly minor ‘perils’ cause millions of dollars worth of damage to homes every year. The effectiveness of any insurance policy is dependent on the fine print, so it’s essential to read every contract to ensure you are clear on what you are and aren’t covered for. Water damage is one area where people often seek clarification.

Standard home owners’ insurance policies can provide coverage for water damage that relates to following circumstances:

• Thunderstorm and hail;
• Weight of ice, snow or sleet;
• Discharge or overflow of a plumbing system, air-conditioning unit, sprinkler system or home appliance;
• Cracking or breaking of a plumbing system, air-conditioning unit, sprinkler system;
• Freezing of a plumbing system, air-conditioning unit, sprinkler system or home appliance;

Water damage that is not covered includes ground seepage (into a basement for instance) and flooding. Flood insurance is provided by the federal government through its National Flood Insurance Program, and it is available to purchase through some general insurance providers.

Every policy can vary so read every contract line by line to ensure you have full and complete coverage with your homeowners insurance. MA insurance agents can offer advice on all aspects of your home insurance, should you need further clarification or are seeking additional coverage.

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