Does homeowners insurance cover water main breaks?

Author: Marguerite Rath  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

Does homeowners insurance cover water line breaks? Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover water line breaks unless a line has undergone sudden, significant damage. For example, if you dig in your yard and accidentally damage the water line running from your meter, repairs and cleanup may be covered.

Do most homeowners insurance cover broken water pipes?

Homeowners insurance generally covers damage due to broken pipes if their collapse is sudden and unforeseen. However, water damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or rusty pipe is generally not covered.

Are homeowners responsible for water main breaks?

If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.

What type of water damage is not covered by insurance?

If the damage is sudden, accidental, and comes from inside your home, you're typically protected with a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, you typically won't be covered if the water damage is caused by outside flooding or a neglected repair.

What happens when a main water line breaks?

Water main breaks can close down roads, damage property and lead to expensive repairs.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage? | Allstate Insurance

Who pays for burst water main?

If a water main breaks, your city or town is responsible for fixing the break, but you often will be responsible for repair or replacement of the water main supply line connected to your house.

Who fixes water main breaks?

Hire a professional: If the location of the water service line break is on your property, you will likely be responsible for the repair. Depending on the complexity of the situation, you will likely want to hire a professional plumber for the specialized equipment and expertise to safely handle the repair.

Can I claim water damage on home insurance?

Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.

Why would a water damage claim be denied?

Reasons for denial can range from the nature of the damage itself—such as gradual damage that occurred over time—to issues with how the claim was filed, including missed deadlines or insufficient documentation. Furthermore, unreported property modifications can also lead to complications during the claims process.

Does full coverage insurance cover water damage?

Does car insurance cover flood damage? If your car is damaged or ruined due to flooding, your auto policy's comprehensive coverage may pay to repair or replace your vehicle, minus your deductible. Comprehensive can cover a variety of water damage, including flooding, heaving rains, and hailstorms.

How much is it to fix a water main break?

Main Water Line Repair by Type of Repair Needed

A cracked pipe can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000, while a broken pipe runs between $500 and $5,000. Corroded pipe repair costs from $600 to $5,000.

Who is responsible for water mains?

Water companies are responsible for the maintenance of communication pipes and mains which includes leak detection, repairs and replacement where necessary.

Who is responsible for replacing the main water shut off valve?

Should a main valve not operate or shut the water off to the home, it is the homeowner's responsibility to have it repaired or replaced. To do this work the water will need to be shut off by Public Works at the curb stop which is typically located in the front yard.

Can I claim plumbing repairs on home insurance?

Homeowners insurance typically covers losses resulting from a sudden malfunction, such as a pipe bursting unexpectedly. However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance.

Does homeowners insurance go up after a claim?

After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.

Are underground water leaks covered by insurance?

Like flooding, groundwater seepage isn't covered by a standard homeowners policy. Often, older homes with basements will have problems with water seeping through concrete walls or from cracks in the foundation. There are a number of remediation techniques, depending on the severity of the problem.

How do you win a water damage claim?

Take clear photos and videos to capture the extent of the damage. This evidence will support your claim and help in assessing the repair costs. Additionally, identifying and stopping the source of the water damage, such as shutting off a burst pipe, can prevent further harm to your property.

What are the two main reasons for denying a claim?

Common Reasons for Claim Denials
  • Process Errors.
  • Coverage.
  • Services Not Appropriate or Authorized.

Why is water damage not covered by insurance?

Water damage is NOT covered when it's the result of a lack of home maintenance/neglect (e.g. a roof you haven't repaired in 30 years). Flood water damage is also NOT covered (unless you have a separate policy for flood insurance in Massachusetts).

Does homeowners insurance cover main water line replacement?

Depending on the level of coverage you purchased, the insurance may cover part or all of the water line replacement and property damage costs due to a broken line. Look for a plumber who specializes in water line replacement services for best results and to avoid problems in the future.

Which insurance company is best for claim settlement?

Which life insurance company has the highest claim settlement ratio? Max Life Insurance has the greatest claim settlement ratio in terms of claim number, with 99.34% for the fiscal year 2021-22. Exide Life Insurance and Bharti Axa Life Insurance came in second with a 99.09 percent death settlement percentage.

What to do if insurance denies water damage claim?

What to Do When Your Water Damage Claim Is Denied
  1. Understand the Denial. The denial letter should provide specific reasons for the denial. ...
  2. Gather Evidence. Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. ...
  3. Contact the Insurance Company. ...
  4. Seek Legal Assistance.

Who pays for a water main break?

Who Is Responsible for Water Main Breaks? If a water main breaks in your area, the party responsible might be: The government: Water mains are public property, so it is the government's job to make sure they are safe by inspecting and maintaining them regularly.

What do you do if a water main breaks?

Report any Water Main Break to your Utility. Although utilities do monitor water pressure and leaks, they often find out about a water main break when a resident reports it. Most water authorities have a hotline for reporting breaks, and some may also have online tools that you can use.

How to fix a burst water main?

5 Ways To Fix A Burst Water Pipe
  1. Replacing It With A New Pipe. First, you must turn off the water supply to the burst pipe, preventing further damage by stopping the water flow entirely. ...
  2. Using A Rubber Gasket. ...
  3. Applying Epoxy Putty. ...
  4. Eliminating Damaged Piping. ...
  5. Breaking Through A Wall.

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