Interior water damage with homeowner policies

When I hear water claims I cringe simply because there are covered and non-covered water damage claims.   I am referring to homeowner policies and using a common example, the company claims adjusters are much more tuned in on the issues.  When an adjuster comes out they seek to discover where did the water come from, sometimes it's easy other times it's difficult to say due to issues coming from behind walls.

Recently I had a call regarding a bathroom issue, specifically some water damage to tile floor damage and vanity damage.  The caller though perhaps the tile damage was from water coming from under shower curtain over a period of time and damaging floor.  If that is the case that simply is NOT covered by a home policy as it's not sudden rather it happened over time.  

The key to a water damage claims is "sudden and accidental", in other words a toilet water supply line bursts then yes that is sudden and accidental.  If "over time" water has damaged a floor, ceiling, or vanity that is considered not covered and a maintenance item.  

So the key to coverage,  did a pipe suddenly rupture or has it been leaking slowly over time.  If in doubt contact your agent or call Flanigan Insurance for more information about your policy at 314-727-6000.