Will My Insurance Cover Water Damage? A Guide for Northwest Arkansas Homeowners

Imagine this: You walk into your house after a long day, and instead of the usual peace and quiet, you hear something strange—drip… drip… drip…. Confused, you step into the living room, and suddenly—SPLASH! There’s water everywhere.

Maybe a pipe burst, maybe your washing machine leaked, or maybe last night’s storm sent water rushing into your basement. Either way, you’re standing in a growing puddle, and the first thing on your mind is:

“Is my insurance going to cover this?”

Water damage is a huge problem for homeowners in Northwest Arkansas, thanks to stormy weather, unexpected freezes, and aging plumbing. While insurance is there to help, not all water damage is covered. So, how do you know if yours is? Let’s break it down.

What Water Damage Does Insurance Cover?

Insurance is like a safety net, but it has rules about what it will and won’t catch. Most policies cover “sudden and accidental” damage but won’t help if it’s caused by long-term neglect or natural flooding.

✅ Commonly Covered Water Damage:
✔️ Burst Pipes – If a pipe suddenly bursts due to freezing or pressure buildup, your insurance should cover repairs.
✔️ Leaky Appliances – If your dishwasher, water heater, or washing machine unexpectedly leaks, you may be covered.
✔️ Roof Leaks from Storms – If heavy rain or wind damages your roof, leading to water leaks, some policies will help.

❌ Water Damage Usually NOT Covered:
🚫 Flooding from Outside – If a river, heavy rain, or storm surge floods your home, you’ll need separate flood insurance.
🚫 Slow Leaks & Neglect – If a pipe has been leaking for months and you ignored it, insurance won’t pay for the damage.
🚫 Sewer Backups – Unless you have special add-on coverage, sewage backups usually aren’t covered.

How to Check If You’re Covered

📝 Step 1: Read Your Policy – Check for terms like “water damage” and “exclusions” to see what’s covered.
📞 Step 2: Call Your Insurance Provider – Ask them: “Would my policy cover water damage from ___?”
🔍 Step 3: Consider Extra Coverage – If you live in a flood-prone area in Northwest Arkansas, you might want to get flood insurance.

What to Do If You Have Water Damage

The faster you act, the less damage your home will suffer. Here’s what to do right away:

🚨 1. Stop the Water – Shut off the main water valve if a pipe burst.
📸 2. Document Everything – Take photos and videos to show your insurance company.
📞 3. Contact Your Insurance Provider – Report the damage ASAP.
🛠️ 4. Call a Water Damage Restoration Expert – That’s where 911 Restoration of Northwest Arkansas comes in. We remove water, dry out your home, and handle repairs.

Need Help? Call 911 Restoration of Northwest Arkansas!

Dealing with water damage is overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At 911 Restoration of Northwest Arkansas, we specialize in water damage restoration, mold removal, and fire cleanup. Plus, we’ll help you work with your insurance provider to make the process as smooth as possible.

📞 Call us 24/7 at (479) 223-5148 or visit 911RestorationofNorthwestArkansas.com for expert help today.

🚀 Because every disaster is just the start of your Fresh Start.