Water is spreading across your floors. After stopping it, you wonder: “Will insurance cover this?”
It’s not straightforward. Coverage is complicated with conditions that can leave you with unexpected bills.
The Basic Rule: Sudden and Accidental
Most Arizona policies cover sudden and accidental damage. Unexpected events through no fault of your own. A pipe bursting overnight fits. So does a failed washing machine hose or cracked toilet line.
What’s Usually Covered
Burst pipes from freezing, corrosion, or sudden failure
Appliance failures when sudden, not from neglect
Plumbing leaks inside walls when sudden
Storm roof leaks from sudden damage (if roof was in good shape)
HVAC overflows from unexpected clogs
Accidental overflows like running bathtubs
What’s Usually Not Covered
Gradual leaks, even if you didn’t know about them
Flooding from outside sources (needs separate flood insurance)
Sewer backups (unless you bought additional coverage)
Maintenance issues from neglecting repairs
Foundation and earth movement
Mold (limited to $10,000 or less, only from covered events)
Arizona Considerations
Evaporative cooler leaks depend on whether insurers see it as sudden or from poor maintenance. Keep service records.
Monsoon damage depends on how water entered. Wind-driven rain through damaged windows is covered. Standing water through foundation cracks is flooding.
Frozen pipes in places like Show Low are covered if you took reasonable precautions.
Document Everything
Take photos and videos before cleanup. Document the source, standing water extent, and everything affected.
Keep damaged items until adjusters inspect them.
Create detailed inventories.
Document maintenance history.
Get professional assessment from RestorePro for detailed documentation insurers need.
Working with Insurance
Report losses immediately
Know your deductible before filing
Stop further damage right away (costs usually covered)
Don’t make permanent repairs until adjusters inspect
Get everything in writing
How RestorePro Helps
We provide detailed documentation: photos, moisture readings, reports. We communicate directly with adjusters throughout restoration. Our accurate estimates reduce negotiations.
We work fast to prevent additional damage, lowering total claim amounts.
Ask Your Agent Now
What’s my deductible?
Do I have sewer backup coverage?
Do I need flood insurance?
What’s my mold limit?
How does the policy handle gradual vs. sudden damage?
The Bottom Line
Insurance helps with unexpected damage if it falls within coverage. Understanding sudden vs. gradual, knowing exclusions, and documenting properly makes the difference.
RestorePro serves Snowflake, Payson, Show Low, Winslow, and Northern Arizona. We assess damage, start mitigation, and provide documentation for successful claims.