Homeowner-Friendly Tips to Help You Prepare for the Unexpected
When water damage hits your home — whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a heavy storm — one of the first questions that comes to mind is:
“Is this covered by my insurance?”
And the answer? It depends on your policy.
At Berks • Fire • Water Restorations, we work with homeowners every day who are navigating this same situation. That’s why we always recommend reviewing your policy before something goes wrong. The better you understand your coverage, the less stressful it is when the unexpected happens.
1. What’s Actually Covered?
Every homeowner’s insurance policy is a little different. Most policies will cover sudden, accidental damage — like a pipe that bursts out of nowhere.
Example: A pipe that cracks overnight? Likely covered. A leaky faucet that damaged your cabinet over time? Probably not.
2. How Much Will Insurance Pay?
Your insurance policy will
Your policy will have limits (the most it will pay out) and exclusions (types of damage it won’t cover). Common exclusions for water damage include:
Water that comes up from the ground (like flooding)
Long-term moisture or mold problems
Damage from lack of routine upkeep
This is why it’s so important to understand what your policy does — and doesn’t — include.
3. What’s My Deductible?
Your deductible is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to cover the rest. Some policies have special deductibles for water damage, so it’s worth checking the fine print.
4. How Is Coverage Determined?
Your insurance company will review your policy details, investigate the cause of the damage, and assess the extent of the loss to determine what is covered under your specific plan.
This one comes up a lot: If your roof is older or wasn’t properly maintained, your insurance might not pay to fix the roof itself. But — good news — many policies will still pay to fix the damage inside your home caused by the leak (like water stains on your ceiling, damaged flooring, etc.).
Understanding these nuances is critical in setting the right expectations during a loss.
Many insurance policies also include a subrogation clause. This means if a third party (like a negligent contractor or manufacturer) caused the loss, your insurance company may reserve the right to pursue them to recover what they paid for your claim. It’s a normal part of the claims process but an important aspect for property owners to be aware of.
Some policies include something called a subrogation clause — which just means if another party (like a faulty appliance or a plumber’s mistake) caused the damage, your insurance company may go after them to recover the cost. It doesn’t affect your claim directly, but it’s helpful to be aware.
If you experience water damage, your insurance company expects you to take action right away to prevent things from getting worse. That could include:
Turning off the water
Using towels, fans, or tarps to reduce damage
Calling a professional to help clean up
That’s exactly where BFW Restorations comes in. Our 24/7 Emergency Response Team will show up fast, stop further damage, document everything, and help guide you through the insurance process.
When water damage strikes, knowing what to do can make all the difference.
Know your coverage before a problem happens
Act fast to reduce damage
Call a trusted restoration partner who can help guide you through it
We’re ready to help — day or night.
📞 Call BFW Restorations – Your Local Water Damage Experts
Serving homeowners across Eastern Pennsylvania with expert guidance, fast service, and peace of mind.
