Discovering a slab leak in your home can be stressful and costly. Luckily, some homeowners insurance plans cover the cost of repairing a slab leak and the water damage it causes.
When you have water in the basement and you suspect your slab is leaking, it is critical to understand insurance coverage for slab leaks.
Unfortunately, every home insurance policy is different, so knowing whether or not you are covered for a slab leak will depend on your policy and the events surrounding the leak.
This guide will take a closer look at slab leak insurance coverage.
Is a Slab Leak Covered By Insurance?
Homeowners insurance typically covers damages caused by certain perils such as fire, theft, and rainwater damage.
When it comes to slab leaks, coverage varies depending on the policy and the circumstances surrounding the leak.
Slab leaks are leaking water pipes in the concrete foundation of a home, also known as the slab. This means that to repair the slab leak, it has to be identified as a slab leak, the slab leak located, the pipes repaired, and the foundation and any damaged property fixed.
In many cases, homeowners insurance will cover parts of the slab leak repair but not all of it.
For example, it may cover the cost of repairing the slab leak in the pipe, but it might not cover the damage done to the slab or foundation damage. This coverage would only apply to the application of epoxy liners to seal the broken pipe via trenchless repair.
Many homeowners insurance policies, however, do not cover the cost of repairing the actual pipe that is leaking beneath the slab and instead might cover the damage caused to the slab or water damage in the home.
Another important area to look at is coverage for the cost of accessing and repairing the affected area of the slab.
The inspections done to identify a foundation leak might not be covered; if the leak damages the slab or if trenchless repair is not possible, then the slab leak repair specialist may need to dig up your slab to fix it.
Double-check with your insurance policy before they do this to understand if this is covered.
Do Home Insurance Policies Cover Water Damage Caused by a Slab Leak?
While insurance coverage for slab leak repair can vary, homeowners can take advantage of homeowners insurance that includes coverage for water damage and plumbing-related issues.
Water damage coverage is a major component of homeowners insurance policies, and it is often extended to damage caused by slab plumbing leaks.
Understanding the details of water damage coverage within your insurance policy is essential to ensure financial protection in the event of an unexpected slab leak repair.
Overview of Water Damage Coverage
In general, water damage and mold caused by a slab leak may be covered by homeowners insurance if the leak is sudden and accidental.
However, insurance coverage often depends on the specific policy and the cause of the leak.
Most plans cover the repair of the slab and the water damage directly caused by the leak. If your policy has personal property coverage, then it might also cover water damage caused by the slab leak that damaged personal belongings.
Some policies may offer additional coverage for plumbing and water damage, while others may require specific endorsements or additional coverage options to fully protect against slab leaks.
Homeowners Insurance Policy Exclusions
Another important aspect of your insurance policy is the exclusions.
Exclusions in insurance policies serve as key limiters on coverage, often excluding specific events or damages from being covered, such as earthquakes, floodwater damage, and normal wear and tear.
So if the leak was caused by normal wear and tear due to a lack of preventative home maintenance, it’s most likely excluded.
If the damage went on for longer than was expected, then you might also be excluded from other water damage repairs like mold remediation.
What Happens if You Suspect a Slab Leak
The unfortunate reality is that the cost of leak detection and repairing a slab leak can run as high as $5,000! This is why having insurance coverage for a slab leak pays off.
And detecting it early can mitigate the damage that a long slab leak might cause, some of which may not be covered under your insurance policy.
If you suspect a slab leak, you should promptly contact your insurance company to file a slab leak insurance claim.
They will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the leak and assess the damage before approving coverage for repairs.
At the same time, you should call your local plumbing company in McKinney that specializes in slab leak repair. Not sure if you even have a slab leak? Here are the warning signs of a slab leak.
How to Make an Insurance Claim for a Slab Leak
If you suspect a slab leak, you’ll want to move quickly to repair it and stop the damage.
Here are some steps to take when filing an insurance claim for a slab leak:
- Contact your insurance company promptly to initiate the claims process.
- Document the damage by taking photographs or videos of the affected areas and any water-related issues caused by the slab leak.
- Provide your insurance company with a detailed description of the slab leak, including when it was discovered and any repairs or mitigation efforts already undertaken.
- Request a claims adjuster to assess the damage.
- Reach out to a slab repair specialist to obtain estimates for repairing the slab leak foundation repair and restoring any damaged property or structures affected by water damage.
- Follow up with your insurance company regularly to ensure the claims process is progressing smoothly and to address any additional information needed. You may need to submit the estimates for repair prior to the repairs being completed.
- Keep thorough records of all communication with your insurance company, including claim numbers, dates of contact, and names of representatives. This is key to getting your insurance claim paid.
Are Slab Leaks Covered Under Home Warranty?
If your slab leak is not covered under your insurance policy, then you could consider claiming the coverage under a home warranty plan if you have one.
A home warranty is separate from homeowner insurance in that it’s described as a service contract that covers essential items in the home if they break down due to normal wear and tear.
Home warranties are usually only good for a set amount of time, and are NOT a substitute for homeowners insurance.
Every warranty will vary, and it’s impossible to know definitively whether or not yours will cover a slab leak.
The best defense against slab leaks regardless of the home warranty is to regularly have your plumbing checked by the plumbing professionals. They can perform hydrostatic tests for early slab leak detection.
Let’s Recap: Are Slab Leaks Covered by Home Insurance?
Because home insurance typically does not cover all aspects of slab leaks, homeowners should review their policy to understand the extent of coverage provided. This is particularly true if you live in dry soil areas like McKinney TX.
If you’re worried, you can consider obtaining additional coverage or discussing options with insurance providers to safeguard against potential costs associated with slab leak repairs.
Being proactive and informed about insurance coverage can help you mitigate financial risks and protect your property investments in the event of a slab leak.
Luckily, the experts at Hackler Plumbing can help. We specialize in quickly detecting and repairing slab leaks in McKinney.
If you think you’re in the midst of a slab leak or need information on early detection, call Hackler Plumbing today! 214-585-1499
FAQs About Slab Leak Coverage in McKinney Texas
How common are slab leaks?
Unfortunately, slab leaks are all too common in McKinney, Texas. Expansive clay soil expands and contracts. As the slab foundation of your home settles the chances of plumbing pipes leaking are common.
What not to say to a home insurance adjuster?
Never admit to any fault on your part. Don’t go into details, leave that for the plumbing experts. Don’t accept a settlement offer without first talking to a lawyer.
How does insurance work for water damage?
If the damage was caused by an accident, you’re probably covered. If it’s caused by negligence on your part, it won’t be covered. You’ll need to check the fine print.
