You’ve had a flood in your kitchen. You’re now wondering how to get insurance to pay for your water damaged kitchen cabinets. Will most homeowner’s insurance cover a water damage emergency (and the cleanup)? Will they pay for water damage to cabinets? That depends.
Sudden & Accidental
Homeowner’s insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental events that happen in your home. In other words, it covers things outside of the normal maintenance you would typically expect to perform at your home.
Your insurance policy will dictate what things are covered, as well as what things are excluded. For example, some policies include coverage for water damage, while some do not. So, it’s not a given that your damage is covered until you check your policy (or have a professional review it for you).
Typically, long-term leaks that have been going on for a while aren’t covered. For instance, a pinhole leak on a pipe inside a wall would generally not be covered. However, there are still a few insurance policies out there that cover hidden damage.
So, it’s important to determine if (a) your loss was sudden, and (b) if your policy includes water coverage.
If you didn’t cause the damage intentionally, then it’s considered accidental.
Surface Water or Plumbing System Escape?
Did water travel over the surface of the ground to damage your home? For example, did rainwater rush through a wash near your property and flood your home? If so, you must have an NFIP policy.
The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) is the only entity that offers homeowner’s insurance for THIS type of flooding. We occasionally see flash flooding here in Arizona. So, if you live in a flood-prone area, make sure you ask your insurance agent about the NFIP.
Most homeowner’s policies cover damage caused by water that escaped from a plumbing system. This could include, for instance, water from a failed supply line, appliance, or drain line. This type of scenario can often cause water damaged kitchen cabinets. This type of water loss is the most common type of homeowner’s claim.
Renovar Report?
Lately, we’re seeing a lot more push back from insurance companies on cabinetry. They are utilizing national companies (like Ronovar) to rebuild damaged cabinet boxes (which has been standard). But, now they are claiming they can recreate new face frames, doors, and drawers, too. They claim these new components will match your existing cabinets; however, that is simply not true.
We’ve done extensive research on this and are successful in getting new cabinetry covered by insurance. Therefore, don’t settle for replacements that will never match your existing cabinetry.
Conclusion
If you’re in Arizona and you need help with water damaged kitchen cabinets, please call us today at 602-661-9313. We offer a free claim evaluation. Above all, our experienced adjusters are well versed in how to overcome this specific claim issue and help you get your claim resolved.
