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When it comes to your plumbing, there is no time to waste in an emergency, especially when you experience plumbing issues like leaking pipes, problems with a washing machine, or water damage or leaks to your walls, floors, and more.
Instead of trying to save money with a DIY project on how to clear a blocked drain, you soon realise the best option is to call a professional. For a homeowner or business owner, you know a professional plumbing service can be expensive, and Homeowners insurance may not cover plumbing-related incidents. If you’re wondering if you can claim plumbing repairs on insurance, read on!
Types Of Repairs Available
We offer all forms of plumbing repairs for residential and commercial properties. Plus, emergency services 24 hours a day for most problems, including:
- Gas Leaks/Plumbing
- Leaking Taps
- Burst Pipes
- Broken Hot Water System
- Roof Leaks
- Toilet Repairs
- Tap and Sink Leakage
- Washing Machine Repairs
- Burst Water Main Pipes
- Sewer Backup
- Blocked Drains/Drainage Issues
- Valve Replacement and Repair
- Vent Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance
- Drain Inspections
- Pipe Relining
- Strata Plumbing
Types Of Coverage Available
If plumbing issues are causing damage to your home, you may be able to file a claim on your home insurance policy. Generally, it covers the costs of problems related to leaks from pipe bursts or seepage from malfunctioning equipment like air conditioners. However, every Policy, provider, and circumstance will be different.
First, consult your homeowner insurance and/or life insurance provider to assess the damage before processing your claim. Check out the types of insurance policy claims to consider for plumbing repairs below.
1. Personal Property Coverage
Personal property coverage pays for the damage to your personal belongings. For example, a broken pipe can destroy your clothing, jewellery, clothes, and other items. The homeowner’s insurance policy will reimburse you. However, there may be a limit on certain luxury items up to a specific value.
2. Dwelling Coverage
Dwelling coverage is responsible for the damage to the structure of your home. The main dwelling can include walls, ceilings, floors, roofs, and even appliances. When there is a leak, burst pipe, or malfunction to your home’s heating system, dwelling coverage will cover this. Wet floors and walls are also under this coverage. However, if there is damage to the entire plumbing system, the insurance policy will mostly not pay for it.
3. Additional Living Expense Coverage
If your home floods due to an internal plumbing issue, you can file a claim to receive living expense coverage. This coverage pays for the costs you incur when you temporarily cannot live in your home. It can include anything from hotels and restaurants to travel expenses during the repair process.
Types Of Repairs Not Available
Maintaining a home or business is a big responsibility that often comes with regular upkeep and repairs. If you ignore plumbing issues that destroy property, it can be expensive to fix, and the insurance policy may not support you. In most cases, homeowners insurance policies will not cover plumbing systems with gradual damage and minor issues that one can prevent with maintenance.
As a general rule of thumb, have a professional inspect your plumbing regularly and repair it as soon as possible. Here’s a list of the most common types of repairs that are not available for coverage:
- Everyday leaks
- Frozen or broken pipes due to negligence
- Flood damages
- Sump pumps and sewer damages
- Old and worn-out steel plumbing
Have you thoroughly checked your homeowner insurance policy lately? If you believe you do not have the best protection for your plumbing needs, you can shop around for the best coverage.
How To Get Your Claim Approved
How do you get insurance to approve your plumbing repair claim? First, thoroughly review all the coverage included on your home insurance policy. You will receive the reimbursement after the claim is processed and approved.
Follow the steps below for a smooth file claim process:
- Take reasonable measures to stop or further prevent the issue, if possible.
- Call the authorities in case of a fire or a pipe burst.
- Take several photos of the damage. Keep any receipts of services or purchases made due to the damage/loss.
- Call your insurance company and report the claim.
- Provide the specific type of plumbing-related damage to the property and describe the loss of any personal belongings.
- Submit any supporting documents that the insurance broker requests or needs.
- Meet with your adjuster or surveyor to inspect and assess the damage.
- Meet with several contractors, if applicable.
- Negotiate the settlement for repairs.
Repair Clauses
A right-to-repair clause grants the insurer power over your claim. Under this rule, the insurer determines the extent of your damages and hires contractors to make repairs. If your property insurance policy contains a right-to-repair clause, it is best to understand the details and fine print.
There are typically three clauses in your insurance policy that should cover the damage you experience from plumbing damages: Dwelling Coverage, Property Coverage, and Additional Living Expense Coverage.
If you need plumbing repairs from unexpected damage, Bayside Plumbing can help you with assessments and assist with filing an insurance claim. Whether urgent or not, we are ready to handle every aspect of your plumbing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our plumbers are licensed professionals who show up to get the job done right.
At Bayside Plumbing, we focus on providing you with a wide range of plumbing services within Sydney, Australia, and the surrounding area. No need to worry because emergency plumbing services are our specialty!
Need a Quote for Your Plumbing Repair?
Whether your repair has coverage by homeowners insurance or not, you will eventually need a quote for plumbing services. Contact us if you need a licensed plumber for any emergency or issue. We are here and ready to resolve anything from a blocked drain to a burst pipe with our speedy plumbing services. Call us today at 0411 724 011 for a free, no-obligation quote.
