If a pipe became clogged and flooded your floor from the toilet, would it be considered a “flooding event” and thus, not be reimbursed by your homeowner’s policy? Or would it be covered?

If you answered, “Yes this event should be covered under my homeowner’s insurance policy” (or something similar), you’re correct. A flooded floor or other water damage to the home caused by a busted pipe (or even a malfunctioning appliance) would likely be covered by a typical homeowner’s insurance policy.

What kinds of events then, are classified as “flooding” and are thus not covered under a standard home insurance policy? Obviously, a heavy rainfall event wherein water rose into your home would be considered flooding. However, other kinds of damage classified as “flood damage” under standard home insurance and flood insurance policies aren’t quite so obvious. In other words, your house doesn’t need to flood with rainwater to sustain “flood damage”. As specified in typical homeowners and flood insurance policies, flood damage also includes:

• Rain damage
• Storm surge damage
• Mud damage

It’s a guarantee that your existing home insurance (or any home policy you’re considering for purchase) won’t cover the above events.