by Michael Di Corcia

Created on: August 19, 2009   Last Updated: August 20, 2009

Dealing with an insurance company when addressing the issue of a water damage claim can be an easy process if the channels of communications are open.

First of all, never try to find an answer by yourself; insurance rules are set by companies under state guidelines, meaning that there are politicians and lawyers involved. And as everyone should know, it spells for no clear cut answer. Ever.

Call your agent, if you have one, or your customer service department. Most likely you will be asked to put in a claim with the claims department. At that point, you will find out if the loss is actually covered.

Often flood damage is considered water damage, while water is involved, flood damage is treated completely independently from all other claims. The flood insurance program is underwritten by the federal government, meaning that they are the insurance carrier. Insurance companies manage the policies on behalf of the government, and there is no cheaper flood coverage from one company versus another. The government sets the rates, not the individual insurers.

Flood insurance is expensive in flood zones. You can purchase flood insurance if you are not in a flood zone, and it will be very affordable. You can even buy flood insurance for an apartment or a home you are renting, and that will cover your personal property alone rather than the structure.

All other water damage claims are under the insurer's responsibility, under home, condo or renters policies. Another distinction to be made is when dealing with sewage backup or sump pumps failure, there is a specific coverage called water backup coverage and not all insurers offer it but most of them sell it as an additional endorsement that you most likely will have to ask for.

A leaky pipe over period of time causing damage is not covered, but the damage to the structure (ceiling, wall or floor) is in most cases covered, a pipe that bursts suddenly is covered. The insurer will also cover the cost to access the pipe (if floors need to be dug into etc).

If water leaks through the roof, the damage caused by the water is covered; if the roof leaked because of age the roof, it is not covered; if the roof was damaged by wind or debris damaging it; then it would also be covered. Insurance companies want to see that the insured has made every possible effort to avoid the damage; for instance if during a storm a branch falls, and breaks a window, the insurance company expects the insured to at least attempt to cover the

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