UPDATED: MAY 08, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
Will your homeowners insurance cover your home that was flooded because of a washing machine overflow? The answer depends on the type of coverage you purchased with your insurance company. Most policies have flood damage as an exclusion from coverage. Still, they may offer other water damage coverage options, including sewer backup, faulty appliances, or burst pipes.
What to Do When Your Washing Machine is Leaking
A washing machine is a necessary appliance for many households. However, it can be a significant problem when it starts to leak. Leaks can cause water damage and mold in your home. You may have a leak if you notice water pooling near your washing machine or the floor underneath the machine is wet.
Shut It Off
If your washing machine is leaking, you can stop the leak by turning off the water supply valve. You can turn off the valve at the home’s main water supply line or a nearby faucet.
Next, you should turn off your washing machine and unplug it from its power source before cleaning up any messes due to the leakage. You should also turn off any electric switches that are near the leak.
Clean Up
Consider using an absorbent or paper towel to soak up any excess water that may have spilled onto your flooring. The next step is to use a wet/dry vacuum and a dehumidifier to remove any additional moisture from the room.
Repair or Call the Professionals
You should call a professional repair company to come and fix your leaky washing machine. This is the best way to fix it, as they can diagnose and fix the problem. Calling them will allow you to get peace of mind and avoid potential future issues.
What Types of Water Damage Does a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover?
Water damage is one of the most common sources of property damage. Homeowners insurance policies cover many water-related issues, but it’s important to know what types of water damage are covered and what types aren’t.
A standard homeowners insurance policy covers damages to your home caused by water that falls from the sky, such as rain and snow. It also covers any water from a pipe or hose connected to your house, like when you accidentally leave the faucet on or have a leaky roof.
Leaks
When it comes to water damage, a standard homeowners insurance policy will cover roof leaks, broken pipes, or damaged toilets. They may also cover leaks relating to refrigerators and water heaters.
However, if there is an issue with your sump pump or a water leak in the septic system, these would likely not be covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy.
Some home insurance policies offer water mitigation coverage that pays for repairing the resulting damages and drying out the property.
Flood Damage
Standard home insurance policies are not designed to cover flood damage. Floods are not typically considered a covered peril. The only way to get coverage for this type of damage is to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
You may be able to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a standard insurance company that offers coverage.
How Can You Prevent Washing Machine Leaks?
Washing machine leaks can be very frustrating, especially when they always happen. If you want to keep your clothes and home dry, you need to know how washing machine leaks occur and what you can do to prevent them. You can prevent water damage claims from a leaky washing machine in many ways.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
The first thing you should do is check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model. If you are unsure about those, contact the company that sold the washing machine to you, and they will be able to provide them for you.
The most common recommendations include the following:
- Clean your machine regularly.
- Use the proper amount of detergent and softener.
- Refrain from overloading your machine or using too much laundry at a time.
- Check for leaks by pouring a small amount of water on all areas of the seal.
Recalls and Manufacturer Alerts
The most common issue with a washing machine is leaking. If you are alerted to leaks, have a specialist look at your machine as soon as possible. Issues such as these are typically attributed to the manufacturer but can also arise from blocked or defective hoses that may require replacement.
Regular Inspections
One of the most common ways is to check all the hoses and connections on your machine to ensure they are all in good working order.
You should also check the rubber gasket around the door of your washing machine, as this can wear down over time and cause leaks. You may need to replace it if it’s damaged or worn out.
Another way to prevent leaks is to check for any loose screws or bolts on your machine. If you find any, tighten them with a screwdriver or wrench, as this will help keep water from leaking out of your appliance.
FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding from a washing machine?
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover the damage from a washing machine if the flooding is sudden and accidental water damage. Suppose the water damage resulted from appliance maintenance issues with your home; that likely won’t be covered. It’s also worth noting that most policies won’t cover the source of the water damage, so you may have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your washing machine.
Does homeowners insurance cover moisture damage?
Excessive moisture, condensation, and humidity in a home can cause mold damage. Allowing mold to grow through excess moisture is deemed a maintenance issue not to be covered by their home insurance policy.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from a toilet overflow?
Water damage can happen to the floor, walls, and ceiling when a toilet overflows. In addition to this, it can also cause mold and mildew. Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from a toilet overflow if it’s sudden and accidental water damage. Insurance companies might not cover the damage if the policyholder was aware of a prior issue with your toilet that caused it to overflow.
Who is responsible for damages from an overflowing washing machine?
When a tenant’s washing machine leaks, it’s the tenant’s responsibility to fix the damage that has been caused. The tenant can then be charged for the repairs to the property, and they will have to sort out repairing or replacing the appliance.
Will homeowners insurance cover the cost of replacing my wet carpet?
Suppose your washing machine was functioning correctly, and there were no indications of needed repairs. In that case, the water overflow would have been unforeseen and unintentional water damage.
In that case, your homeowners insurance policy will likely cover the resulting water damage. This would include covering the cost of replacing a wet carpet.
How to Get Home Insurance That Covers Your Washing Machine
If you have a washing machine, it’s essential to know that your home insurance may not cover the cost of a new one. This is because the most common causes of washing machine-related related home insurance claims are flooding and burst pipes.
To ensure that your home insurance covers your washing machine, check with your insurer before buying one. You may need to add a policy or increase the level of coverage on your current policy. Fill out our online rate form to see quotes and be connected to a licensed home insurance specialist.
