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Filing a water damage insurance claim

Stopping the water, documenting damage, calling your insurer, preventing more damage, what’s usually covered, building your claim, and disputing an offer.

Quick answer

Shut off the water and stay away from wet outlets. Photograph and video everything before cleanup, then call your insurer for a claim number. Remove water and dry within a day or two, keeping receipts, since those costs are often covered. Sudden, accidental damage like a burst pipe is usually covered; slow leaks and outside flooding often aren’t. List damaged items, get estimates and keep items for the adjuster. If you disagree, use appraisal or complain to your state insurance department.

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Your checklist

  • Stop the water and stay safe
  • Photograph everything first
  • Call your insurer; get a claim number
  • Dry out fast; keep receipts
  • Know what’s usually covered
  • Build your file; appeal if needed

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

First, stop the water

Shut off the main water valve. Stay away from water near outlets and turn off power to wet areas if it’s safe.

Document before cleaning

Take photos and video of the source, standing water, and every damaged room and item.

Notify your insurer promptly

Call to open a claim, get a claim number, and note who you spoke with and when.

Prevent more damage

Policies expect you to protect the home: remove water, run fans and dehumidifiers, or hire a water mitigation company. Dry within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold. Keep receipts; reasonable costs are often covered.

What’s usually covered

  • Usually covered: sudden and accidental water, like a burst pipe or appliance hose failure.
  • Often not covered: slow leaks over time, poor maintenance, groundwater, and outside flooding (needs flood insurance).
  • Sewer or drain backup: usually only with an add-on.

Build your claim

List damaged items with ages and values, get written repair estimates, and keep damaged items until the adjuster sees them. Meet proof-of-loss and other deadlines in writing.

If you disagree

Ask for the decision and reasons in writing, provide more evidence, use the policy’s appraisal process, or file a complaint with your state insurance department. Public adjusters can help but take a percentage.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • [your state] department of insurance complaint
  • water damage restoration near me

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Will a water damage claim raise my premium?

It can, depending on your insurer and claim history. For small damage close to your deductible, weigh whether to file. More ›

Who pays to fix the broken pipe itself?

Often the policy covers the water damage but not the repair of the pipe that failed from wear. Check your policy. More ›

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

Usually for sudden and accidental water, like a burst pipe. Slow leaks, maintenance problems and outside flooding often aren’t covered. More ›

How do I file a water damage claim?

Stop the water, document everything, call your insurer for a claim number, prevent more damage, then send a list of damaged items and repair estimates. More ›

How long do I have to file a water damage claim?

Policies require prompt notice and set deadlines for proof of loss. Report it right away and ask for deadlines in writing. More ›

Will insurance pay for drying out my house?

Reasonable costs to prevent further damage, like water removal and drying, are often covered. Keep receipts. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.