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You’re probably also aware that, as a homeowner, it is important to check and keep the plumbing system correct. But if you’ve stopped to think about your infrastructure, you’ll stop beneath your feet. While they are crucial, underground pipes are also risky because they are not readily accessible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average underground pipe damage claim costs between $2,000 and $10,000 or more to repair or replace. Nearly 1 in 50 homeowners claimed water damage or frozen pipes. The average claim exceeds $5,000. The Insurance Information Institute reports that over 850 gallons water main breaks destroy homes across America daily. With all these facts, you cannot underestimate it. You may always have concern about Does home insurance cover underground pipes?
Does home insurance cover underground pipes?
For your home, home insurance plays a vital role in protecting against any odds in future. However, what about underground pipes? This question cannot be answered shortly – it is influenced by pipe type, cause of damage, or location. Moreover, policies such as underground coverage may expressly exclude such coverage. To protect the structural damage of home, standard homeowner’s policy is top of list. It covers the damage which happens to the structure of any home. This policy includes various perils like fire, smoke, lightning, explosion and vandalism. However, the policy either limits or completely excludes coverage for underground conditions. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners also states the policies do not consider coverage for underground pipes unless, for instance, they freeze and pipe burst.
In the case of a sudden and unforeseen leak or accident in the underground pipe, home insurance will cover the house’s infrastructure and the damage to belongings. For example, if a pipe is steered due to freezing, and the wall and floor are flooding, the policy will be used to perform the required operations. However, if the leak originates from usage or pipe corrosion, the home will not receive coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover main water line replacement?
Another common question that arises, Will homeowners’ insurance cover the maintenance or replacement of the main water line? The brief answer is that it depends on the policy’s stated terms. In most cases, insurance does not cover the cost associated with maintenance, for example, replacing corroded or is too old pipes. However, home insurance covers “sudden and unforeseen” damage. For instance, State Farm will cover “sudden and accidental damage.” Moreover, Allstate’s policy includes “sudden and unforeseen.” Redefining the policy terms is crucial to better understand the coverage and exclusions.
Factors that may affect coverage for underground pipes
Generally speeking these underground pipes can create a big mess and disruption in your daily life. We are going to discuss some factors as per our experience that may affect coverage for undeground pipes:
Age & Material Of Your Pipes
Old and low quality material of your pipes may affect your coverage. If there are older pipes of cast iron or steel so you may need additional coverage. According to Insurance Information Institues. Homes which have older pipes are more close to damage. With 1 in 5 homes are experiecing a pipe burst or leak every year.
Location and Soil Condition
If you are living in area with extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall or low temperature, you may need comprehensive coverage. These types of severe conditions may cause more damage to underground pipes.
Policy Limits and Deductibles
You have to overview your policy limits and deducible options for underground pipes carefully. You need to make sure that coverage limits are enough to cover all the cost or repair and replacement.
Additional Endorsements or Riders
Some home insurance policies may offer additional endorsements and riders. Which provides extra coverage options for other type of pipe damage like sewer backup or sump pumo failure. Also consider for these type of protection are worth the extra cost.
Insurer’s Claim Process And Reputation
You should have to research claim’s process and reputation for handling undeground pipes damage claims. Obviously, after analysis you will choose the one who’s claim process will fast. After our in depth analysis in home insurance market, we are providing some best providers for underground pipes insurance coverage.
Best Home Insurance Providers For Underground Pipes
We do neutral reviews of insurance providers in market. Below are some best homeowner’s insurance providers which cover underground pipes:
Steps to take when filing a Insurance claim for underground pipe damage
Dealing with underground pipes damage can be very costly and annoying experience. If your home insurance is covering underground pipes then filing claim can help you lowering financial burden. For making claim easy and smooth follow steps below:
Review Your Policy
Take your time to review your policy, understand coverage options and exclusions properly. According to National Association of Insurance Comissioners, 44% of homeowner’s don’t bother to review their policies annually.
Make Documention Of Damage
After discovering underground pipe damage, make sure to document every aspect. Take pictures and make video of that specific area, including visible signs of damage. Such as water damage or soil erosion. Also keep record of the date and time when you discover the underground pipe leak. So, It will make claims process more convenient and easier.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After documentation, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the underground pipe damage. Generally, they will guide you through claim process and provide you claim number. You should be prepared for any detailed information about the damage.
Hire a Professional Plumber
For assessing the damage and rapair estimation of underground pipe, you’ll need to hire a professional plumber. Your Insurance provider may suggest you few plumbers or contractors. Make sure to get multiple quotes and choose best plumber.
Claim Submission
After collecting all necessary documents and assessing damage estimation, submit your claim to your insurance company. There should be all supporting evidence, such as pictures, videos and repair estimate.
Conclusion | Does Home Insurance Cover Underground Pipes?
So, understanding your home insurance policy coverage for underground pipes is very important element. It can help you in saving money and avoid some unnecessary expenses. By reviewing your policy, considering factors, and following steps to file a claim you can ensure you’re protected from underground pipes damage. Thus, we’ve provided you some best homeowner’s insurance companies which can give you coverage for underground pipes. Get Quote Now !
FAQs | Does Home Insurance Cover Underground Pipes?
1. Does home insurance cover underground pipes?
Yes, it can cover undergoudnd pipes damage if it is in covered perils. It may depend on type of your policy. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies often cover sudden and unforeseen leaks.
2. Will homeowners insurance cover main water line replacement?
The answer is same as above, it depends on your polciy type. In rare cases, insurance companies does not cover maintenance or replacements of old pipes. They may cover sudden and unforeseen damage.
3. Can I get additional policy coverage for underground pipes damage?
Yes, some homeowner’s insurance policies usually offer additional endoresements or riders that provide additional coverage for underground pipes. Such as sewer backup and sump pump failure.
4. How much does it cost to repair or replace underground pipes?
After our research, According to Insurance information institute, average underground pipe damage claim costs between $2000 to $10,000.
