Your Safeco Agent Works For You

While we've provided many pointers throughout this site for preventing water damage from happening in your home, we recognize that occasionally some water damage may still occur.

How do you know if that damage is covered by your homeowners insurance policy or if you are on your own to pay for repairs?

It's best to know what your insurance policy covers before you need it—and the best person to help you figure this out is your insurance agent. Consider your Safeco agent your personal advisor who can help you determine the right coverage for your individual circumstances. Your agent is trained to explain your coverage in plain language. They can also help you decide if you need additional flood insurance and advise you on your other insurance needs.

What Your Policy Covers

There are two types of policies that cover losses due to water damage—homeowners insurance and flood insurance. These provide two separate and distinct types of coverage. They do not duplicate coverage, but complement it.

Most homeowner policies cover damage to your home caused by a "sudden and accidental" water event, such as a burst pipe which is discovered within a few days or wind-driven rain or melting snow that seeps into your home after a storm.

What It Doesn't Cover

Water damage caused by poor home maintenance such as overfilled gutters, lack of roof upkeep, condensation buildup due to inadequate ventilation or ignored leaks is generally not covered.

Damage to your home and its contents from a flood is also not covered under your homeowner policy but it could be with a separate flood insurance policy. Information about the National Flood Insurance Program is available from your Safeco insurance agent or your local office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.