Leak-file a claim with insurance?

Question

Hi guys,

I got a leak in the kitchen. What does insurance usually pay for?

I dont want to file a claim if thats something that insurances normally dont pay for...

The leak is in the kitchen, its  pipe that connects my refrigerator to the wall.

The bid to fix it is 7K, plus I have a roof issue happening in my other rental so it would be good if the insurance could fix that leak.

At the same time I dont want to file a claim if its something that the insurance wont fix for sure. Because once I filed a claim, 10 years ago, and insurance did not fix it plus then I had a hard time finding another insurance...

Do I understand correctly that if its a pipe leaked inside the wall then the insurance will pay for it?

If its outside the wall then the probably wont pay for it?

John Underwood · Answer

What is your deductible?

I could get my handy many to fix these for much cheaper too.

I don't want to have small claims that drive my insurance up or causes them to drop me in the future.

I want my insurace for catastrophic claims.

Ryan Swan · Answer

I think damages would have to be north of $15k for me to file a claim vs just paying for the repair(s) out of pocket. That's just my personal approach because I have the cash to cover repairs of that size. Involving your insurance company can make the process take much longer. Depending on the age of your home, they may also have to do testing for lead based paint and asbestos in the drywall or linoleum tiles and then pay to remediate it before proceeding with work. Your rates almost always go up the next renewal after a claim, so paying for it out of pocket can actually save you money in the long run.

Chris Seveney · Answer

Pipe leak - typically but depends. Roof repairs - Nope not covered. Also these would be two separate incidents and two separate deductibles. Just be aware your insurance will skyrocket if you file a claim.

Lee Hines · Answer

What's on the back side of where it's leaking? Can you not cut out the drywall there to see what's going on?

Lee Hines · Answer

Insurance is typically going to cover a sudden and large release of water. Think broken pipe that floods the house. A small, slow, ongoing leak, is not likely to be covered.

I had storm damage to roof on a house in Mesa a month or so ago.  I ended up repairing it myself, but after contacting multiple companies, I will be using Brown Roofing when I'm ready to replace the entire roof. They have a high Yelp ratings and had the most comprehensive list of included items. The sales guy was very upfront with me (said, "Yes, it could be repaired," when most said, it must be replaced.

Brown Roofing

Jesse Coder

General Manager

0ffice: 602.626.5559

Direct: 480.392.1575

Gary Mazzarella · Answer

Call Roman Roofing co in Tempe , he took care of one of our homes there , he was on it fast and did good work .

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

How does a pipe leak in a wall turn into $7000? Even with a cabinet removal? And can you not go through the other side? Even if it's exterior it might be cheaper.....

I would call a handyman and get them to open it up, then call a plumber to fix it.....

Care to post a pic?

Bo Bond · Answer

Mary Jay,

In most cases, a pipe leak in the wall is typically covered by insurance.  However, I have seen some carriers deny the claim if the leak was something that took place over the course of many months or years.  Just keep that one item in mind when looking to file a claim.  Also, your roof claim and your water claim are completely separate issues / losses, even if they somehow applied to the same home.  So, you will have separate deductibles to meet for each loss if you do file a claim for both.  If you haven't filed a claim in years and you can't afford to fix the water damages on your own, then filing a claim under your insurance policy is very likely your next best option.  If this claim is somehow denied, I'd seek out a third party opinion based off the language of your policy as most water damage claims due to a burst pipe are protected by insurance carriers.

The good news is that it seems you haven't filed a claim in many years, so that should be a plus for you when dealing with your carrier.  You should remember that "if" the carrier does pay out on this water damage claim, they will only pay for the resulting property damage.  They do not pay to fix the actual pipe itself.  So the specific cost to fix your pipe will be on you, but is typically the cheapest part of the job.  In most cases, the cost to damage your walls, cabinets, slab, etc. to get to the pipe (leak) is also covered by insurance.  Sorry for your loss, but hope this helps.  Good luck!

Jerry V. · Answer

Can't speak to the pipe/water leak, it may be more involved than just "going through" the cabinets (so you don't have to rip them off!) to fix things... BUT, about the roof...

Small roof problems, are definitely a FIX YOURSELF item.  Remember, anything under the Deductible amount, we pay for ourselves!  So... that roof fix may cost you %150-500, well under any normal deductible amounts these days.

We're in the Dallas, TX area, not AZ so can't help you directly with this (sorry!) lol

Good luck on the projects!

Leak-file a claim with insurance?

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