Water Damage Claims

Most Florida HO policies cover sudden and accidental water damage - burst pipes, appliance failures, and similar events. Gradual leaks, flood, and sewer backup are often excluded or require separate coverage. Policy language varies, so we review your declarations before you rely on a denial.

Sudden and accidental means an unexpected event, like a pipe bursting tonight. Gradual means damage that developed over time from a slow leak or lack of maintenance, which insurers typically exclude. Carriers often argue sudden losses are gradual; documentation from plumbers, moisture readings, and photos establishes the real timeline.

Many policies include a limited water damage endorsement that caps certain losses at $10,000. The cap applies only to specific perils defined in the endorsement - not necessarily every water loss. Wind-driven rain through storm damage, for example, may fall outside the limit. We analyze cause-of-loss before accepting a cap.

Mold coverage depends on your policy and whether mold resulted from a covered, sudden water event. Insurers may deny mold by blaming long-term humidity or an excluded gradual leak. We document the chain of causation from the covered loss through remediation.

Slab leak coverage varies. Some policies cover sudden failure and resulting damage; others dispute slab leaks as gradual. We document when the leak was discovered, obtain plumbing reports, and map migration to support covered causation.

Florida law generally requires notice within one year of the date of loss, with supplemental claims due within 18 months. You should still report the loss promptly because carriers may argue that delay impaired their investigation. The deadline generally runs from the date of loss, not when you discovered a hidden leak.

Under Florida Statute §627.70131, insurers generally must acknowledge claim communications within seven calendar days, begin a reasonably necessary investigation within seven days after receiving proof-of-loss statements, and pay or deny within 60 days of notice unless factors beyond the insurer’s control prevent payment. We track these deadlines and follow up when carriers stall.

Homeowners insurance typically covers sudden interior water events and wind-driven rain through storm-created openings. Flood insurance covers rising surface water, storm surge, and groundwater. After hurricanes, carriers often argue interior water was "flood" to deny the homeowners policy - we document causation so the correct coverage pays.

Usually yes when the failure is sudden and accidental. Carriers may argue corrosion or lack of maintenance caused the break - we counter with plumber reports, saved pipe sections, and photos of fresh failure.

Generally no - long-term seepage and deferred maintenance are excluded. Some policies use duration language (for example leaks over 14 days) that courts have interpreted narrowly. We analyze your policy wording and document when the loss actually occurred.

No. You may hire licensed restoration contractors and plumbers of your choice. Independent estimates and mitigation invoices strengthen your position when the carrier’s vendor underscopes the job.

Consider a free review when damage is widespread or hidden, the carrier denies coverage, applies a limited-water cap, disputes flood vs. wind-driven rain, or offers a scope that does not include full dry-out and rebuild. Early involvement preserves moisture evidence for supplements.

Yes. Many clients call us after a denial or low offer. We can reopen documentation, supplement the scope, and negotiate - even if you already reported the claim yourself.

We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront, and we are paid only when we recover funds from the insurance company. No recovery, no fee.