Does AAA Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

When it comes to AAA home insurance, it’s crucial to know exactly what is covered and what is not covered. Many homeowners with AAA insurance think about Does AAA Homeowners insurance covers water damage. 

Let’s take a closer look at AAA insurance to find out what’s covered.

is AAA Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Absolutely! AAA homeowners insurance offers coverage for water damage. If your home encounters issues related to water, such as burst pipes or leaks, AAA is ready to assist. 

It’s crucial to understand that this coverage goes beyond common situations and includes protection against natural disasters like floods.

Home water is leakage and girl repairing it

If your home has water damage, you can rely on AAA for help. They understand the problems homeowners go through and try to make the process of getting help easy.

To ensure you get the necessary assistance, it’s important to document the damage and promptly contact AAA to start the claims procedure. 

Whether it’s damage from a plumbing problem or the aftermath of a flood, AAA’s coverage is designed to offer financial protection and aid in your recovery.

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Water damage in Homes mainly Happened By?

Cause Percentage of home insurance claims
Wind and hail39.4%
Fire and lightning24.8%
Water damage and freezing23.5%
All other property damage9.4%
Liability 2.3%
Theft0.7%

Source – Insurance Information Institute

What kind of water damage does home insurance cover? 

Usually, home insurance covers water damage that happens suddenly and by accident, like when a pipe bursts. 

But it doesn’t cover slow damage, such as a sink that’s slowly leaking. Also, it won’t cover damage from flooding, like when there’s a lot of water from a hurricane.

Girl is feeling sad by seeing his house is leakage

Here are some types of water damage that home insurance usually covers,

Water Damage After a Fire

If water is used to put out a fire, like from a sprinkler system or a fire department hose, it’s usually covered.

Accidental Leaks

If something like plumbing or an appliance (like a washing machine or dishwasher) accidentally leaks.

Burst Pipes

When a pipe bursts, it’s usually covered. But if it happens because you didn’t keep your home warm enough in freezing weather, it might not be covered.

Roof Leaks

If your roof leaks because of a storm or a tree falling on it, it’s usually covered. But you need to fix the damage reasonably soon after it happens.

Storm Water Damage

Damage from storms, like heavy rain or hail, is typically covered.

Ice Dams

If ice builds up in your gutter and causes damage suddenly, it might be covered. But if it’s because you need to maintain your home well, it might not be covered.

Note:

Home insurance usually has two parts. 

  • The first part covers damage to the house.
  •  The second part covers damage to your belongings. Both parts are included in one policy.

Home insurance also covers damage to separate buildings, like a garage turned into a guest apartment. You can increase coverage limits to provide more protection for these detached structures.

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What kind of water damage does home insurance not cover? 

Here are some problems that are usually not covered by regular home insurance:

Foundation Leaks

Water damage from leaks through the foundation is not covered.

Sump Pump Failure

If your sump pump fails or related equipment malfunctions, you might need separate coverage.

Flood Damage

Home insurance doesn’t cover damage from floods caused by things like hurricanes, tsunamis, or overflowing rivers. If you want coverage for these situations, you should get flood insurance.

Intentional Acts

If someone purposefully damages your home, like setting it on fire or turning off the heat during winter, the water damage won’t be covered.

Fixing Broken Things

If something in your home, like a dishwasher or washing machine, breaks and causes water damage, the insurance won’t pay for fixing or replacing that broken thing.

Sewer or Drain Backups

Unless you bought special coverage, home insurance won’t cover water damage caused by backups through a sewer or drain.

Lack of Maintenance

If water damage happens because you didn’t take care of your home properly, like not fixing a plumbing issue or not keeping your home warm in freezing weather, it won’t be covered.

Earth Quake

Damage from things like earthquakes, landslides, or mudslides is not covered. If an earthquake causes a pipe to burst, the water damage probably won’t be covered. You need a separate earthquake insurance policy for that.

Leaks from Other Structures

Damage from leaks in things like swimming pools or other structures is usually not covered.

Mold

Mold is often excluded because it’s seen as a long-term problem. You can get extra coverage for mold, but it usually has a limit of $5,000, which may not cover all the costs. Also, you need to add this coverage before any mold issues are found.

AC/HVAC System

Whether your heating and cooling system is covered depends on why it got damaged. Normal wear and tear are usually not covered unless you buy extra coverage. If it’s damaged because of another incident, like a fire, you should be covered.

Fences, Sheds, Landscaping

Landscaping is usually not covered because it’s considered part of your land. Fences, sheds, and detached garages are usually covered, but it’s essential to inform your agent if you upgrade a structure.

Expensive Home Insurance Claims In 2024

Claim typeAverage claim paid
Fire and lightning$83,519
Bodily injury and property damage$31,663
Wind and hail$12,913
Water damage and freezing$12,514
Medical payments and other$10,179
All other property damage$7,460
Theft$4,646

Source – Insurance Information Institute

How Can I Protect My Home From Water Damage?

Here are the 11 ways to protect your home from water damage

Plumbing Maintenance

Regularly check for issues like clogs, pipe corrosion, and freezing temperatures that can lead to burst pipes. Insulate pipes in freezing weather to prevent damage.

Leak Detection Systems

Install flow-based water-leak detection devices like Moen or Guardian systems to automatically shut off water in case of a leak.

Roof Inspection

Have a professional inspect your roof yearly to catch and fix potential leaks caused by broken shingles or damaged flashing.

Clean Gutters

Regularly clean gutters to protect your roof, reduce moisture around windows, and redirect water away from your home’s foundation.

Secure Storm Windows

Ensure storm windows are fully closed to prevent leaks. Consider drilling holes in old windowsills for drainage.

Appliance Maintenance

Check and replace supply hoses for water-using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers.

HVAC System Service

Keep HVAC systems well-maintained to prevent condensation-related leaks. Ensure drip pans and drain lines are clean.

French Drains

Consider installing French drains along your home’s foundation to disperse and redirect water, especially if you notice pooling.

Sump Pump Backup

Provide a backup power source for sump pumps, and consider whole-home generators for insurance credits.

Know the Water Shutoff Valve

Everyone should know the location of the main water shutoff valve to quickly respond to leaks.

Turn Off the Water When Away

If leaving for an extended period, turn off the water supply or have someone check your home periodically to reduce the risk of water damage.

Wrap Up

When you own a home, it’s important to know what your insurance covers. With AAA Homeowners Insurance, you’re in good hands when it comes to water damage. 

Whether it’s a sudden burst pipe or the aftermath of a flood, AAA has got you covered. They go the extra mile, not just for common issues but also for protection against natural disasters like floods. 

It’s comforting to know that AAA is committed to providing financial protection and help in the recovery process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AAA cover flood damage?

Yes, AAA includes flood damage coverage for natural disasters like hurricanes.

Are slow leaks covered?

Generally, no. Home insurance focuses on sudden damage, not slow leaks.

What water damage does home insurance cover?

 It covers damage after a fire, accidental leaks, burst pipes, storm-related roof leaks, and damage from rain or hail.

What’s not covered in water damage?

Exclusions include floods, intentional acts, fixing appliances, sewer backups, lack of maintenance, earthquakes, and leaks from other structures.

Does home insurance cover mold?

Usually not, but you can add limited coverage before discovering mold issues.

Methodology

We made this guide by looking closely at what AAA Homeowners Insurance covers, especially when it comes to water damage. 

We checked what the insurance protects and what it doesn’t giving homeowners a clear idea of what their insurance can do. 

The tips we shared on preventing water damage were put together to help homeowners take practical steps. 

Jesuraj S

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