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Sometimes. Sudden and accidental water — a burst supply line, a failed water heater, an overflowing appliance — is typically covered. Gradual leaks, seepage, poor maintenance, and flood or surface water are typically excluded, and sewer backup usually requires an added endorsement.
What you need to know
Covered vs. excluded, in practice
The question carriers ask is whether the loss was sudden and accidental or ongoing. A pipe that let go last night reads differently than a stain that grew for two years.
Flood is a separate policy
Rising water, storm surge, and mudflow are not homeowners perils. Flood coverage comes through the NFIP or a private flood market.
Endorsements worth knowing
Sewer and drain backup, service line, and hidden seepage endorsements close common gaps for modest premium.
Common mistakes
- Insuring the home to market value or loan balance instead of today's rebuild cost.
- Leaving liability at the lowest available limit with no umbrella above it.
- Assuming flood and earthquake are included — both are separate in California.
- Never scheduling jewelry, art or other items that carry low special limits.
- Filing small claims that cost more in renewal pricing than they paid out.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent when your premium jumps, when you renovate or rent out the home, when you are told you are being non-renewed, or any time you cannot tell from the declarations page what your policy would actually pay.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.