Filing a claim for water damage? Get the drying started at the same time. The Texas Department of Insurance’s advice is to stop the water and dry things out right away, and waiting usually means more gets torn out. Call or send a few details, and a local water damage pro will get back to you.
This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your own policy is what counts, so read it or ask your agent. The Texas Department of Insurance has a good plain-English page on water damage and mold coverage, and most of what’s below comes from it.
Sudden and accidental: usually covered
According to TDI, most homeowner and renters policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. Their examples are a burst pipe, a toilet overflow, and a broken washer hose.
Slow leaks: usually not
TDI says policies usually don’t cover damage from gradual leaks or seepage, and that includes mold that grows from them. A drip under a sink that went on for months, or a shower pan that’s been leaking into the subfloor, often falls here. It’s one more reason to fix small leaks fast.
Floods: not without flood insurance
Home policies don’t cover floods, meaning water that rises from outside and comes in. You need a separate flood policy for that, and according to FEMA a new flood policy usually takes 30 days to go into effect. Don’t wait for a storm in the forecast to buy one. Wind-driven rain or a roof damaged in a storm is a different question, so ask your agent about that.
Sewer and drain backups: check your policy
TDI’s home insurance guide lists backup of sewers or drains as a common add-on, and some policies don’t cover it without one. Look for it on your declarations page before you need it.
Mold
If mold grows on something damaged by a covered leak, TDI says that’s usually covered. But most policies don’t include mold cleanup and testing after the damaged item is removed, unless you’ve added that coverage. See mold remediation for how mold work is handled in Texas.
What to do first
- Stop the water and make it safe.
- Take photos and video of everything before it’s moved, cleaned, or thrown out.
- Report the claim as soon as you can.
- Get the drying started. Keep every receipt.
- Don’t throw out damaged items until the adjuster says it’s okay, or you’ve photographed them well.
The first 24 hours guide walks through it.
Working with the restoration company
Ask whether they’ll send their moisture readings, photos, and a written scope to you and your adjuster. That paperwork makes the claim easier. And take your time with anything you’re asked to sign.
Need the drying started? Call or send the details.