When winter storms cover Pearland, TX in snow and ice, it can cause water damage from burst pipes. Some homeowners’ insurance policies will cover water damage that results from broken or leaking pipes. However, there are exceptions. If you are a renter, you will need renters’ insurance to cover your electronics, furniture, clothing, and other personal items damaged when the pipes burst.

The important thing to note here is that your home insurance and renters’ insurance are only going to cover leaks that occur inside your home. They do not cover damage caused by flooding. For this, you will need a separate flood insurance policy, which is available from Barry Insurance Group.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is special coverage that is specifically designed to cover most types of water damage to your home and your personal belongings. Many homeowners think that this type of insurance will cover the damage if their pipes burst. However, this may not be the case.

Flood insurance is meant to cover damage that occurs due to natural flooding. Burst pipes are not considered natural and therefore are not covered by flood insurance.

Exceptions to the Rule

Like with many other types of insurance, there are exceptions to the rule. If your pipes burst due to flooding, then the damage to your home and your belongings may be covered. However, you will need to provide proof that this was directly the cause of the burst pipes.

If a natural flood causes standing water in your home and there is no way for you to return to your home during a flooding disaster, mold may have a chance to grow. In this case, most of the damage, including the mold, may be covered by your flood insurance policy.

While flood insurance may not cover damage from burst pipes in Pearland, TX, you should ask your insurance provider for additional insurance on your home insurance policy, known as water backup coverage. To find out more, contact Barry Insurance Group.