A leaking pipe is a big problem. If you notice that any of your home’s pipes are leaking, you need to take immediate action to address the issue. Left unrepaired, a minor leak can cause very serious water damage over time. To makes matters even more challenging, gradual leak damage is subject to a coverage exclusion under many different property insurance policies.
At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our top-rated Fort Lauderdale property insurance dispute lawyers want to make sure that Broward County homeowners have the information that they need to protect their legal rights and financial interests. We have extensive experience handling pipe burst damage claims and general water damage claims. In this post, our property insurance team highlights three things that all Florida homeowners need to know about leaks.
- Gradual Water Damage May Not Be Covered
Many homeowners’ policies that are offered in the state of Florida do not provide coverage for pipe leak damage that occurred as part of a ‘low volume’ or ‘gradual’ event. As always, it is important to refer to your own specific insurance policy to know exactly what is covered. If you find that there is an exclusion for ‘leakage’ or ‘leak damage’, you may not have coverage for this type of loss. This is why it is so important for homeowners to take immediate action when they discover a leak. The problem requires quick repair and any claim should be filed without delay.
- You Should Always Thoroughly Document Your Losses
If you have water damage related to a leaking pipe, you should be sure to thoroughly document your losses. Do not assume that you lack coverage. It is always worth taking pictures of the pipe leak in case you may be able to pursue a claim against your property insurance policy. In the event that you do need to bring a claim, the more evidence that you have that supports your case, the better off you will be.
- Be On the Lookout For Hidden Damage
Water damage can be very difficult for homeowners to get a handle on. To start, water can cause a tremendous amount of total damage. Even a relatively small amount of water has the potential to result in serious losses. However, the thing that makes pipe leaks particularly difficult is the fact that there is often hidden damage. There may be water damage in places that you cannot see without an in-depth investigation. Most notably, you may not be able to see water damage under your floor and behind your walls. Left untreated, you may end up dealing with a major mold problem.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Property Insurance Attorney Today
At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, we are proud to fight for the legal rights and financial interests of homeowners in Broward County, Florida. If you are in a dispute with your insurance company over pipe-related water damage, we can help. Please contact our Sunrise, Florida office today to set up a free consultation with one of our skilled Fort Lauderdale property insurance lawyers.
