Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover all types of water damage. Here's a breakdown of what's covered, what isn't, and how to get the most out of your claim.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

A home insurance policy will typically cover sudden and accidental water damage caused by burst pipes or malfunctioning appliances. It typically does not cover water damage caused by flooding or a lack of maintenance.

You may have coverage from two different parts of your policy depending on which parts of your home are affected. Dwelling coverage pays for damage to your home's structure, such as the roof, walls, and floor, whereas personal property coverage pays to repair or replace your belongings.

You'll have coverage up to the limits listed on your policy's declarations page, less your deductible (the amount of a claim you're responsible for).

The following are some common causes of water damage and how your homeowners insurance policy may be able to help.

Appliance failure

Water damage caused by a faulty appliance is generally covered by homeowners insurance, but it does not pay to replace the appliance. If the failure is due to normal wear and tear or a lack of maintenance on your part, you are unlikely to be covered.

Assume your water heater bursts, causing water to pour across your basement floor. Your homeowners insurance would most likely cover the resulting damage, including the cost of new flooring and furniture replacement. However, unless you have added equipment breakdown coverage to your policy, it would not be cost effective to repair or replace the water heater.

An equipment breakdown endorsement pays to repair or replace HVAC systems and major appliances that fail due to electrical or mechanical failure.

A word of caution about sump pumps: If your sump pump fails or overflows, the resulting water damage isn't usually covered unless you add specific coverage to your policy. Inquire with your agent about a water backup and sump pump failure endorsement.

Leaks

A homeowners insurance policy may cover water damage from unexpected leaks, but it will not cover more gradual problems that could have been avoided with regular maintenance.

Here's an illustration. If a strong windstorm blows some of your roof's shingles off, causing a leak, the resulting water damage is most likely covered. Storms are unpredictable and unavoidable, and wind is a covered peril in most home insurance policies.

However, if your 18-year-old roof begins to leak due to wear and tear over time, your homeowners insurance is unlikely to help.

The same is true for dripping windows or pipes. A slow drip under the sink is probably not covered, but a frozen and burst pipe is.

Backed-up drains and sewer lines

A clogged sewer line causes a stinky mess in your bathroom. Are you protected? Unless you've added water backup coverage to your homeowners policy, the answer is probably no. This is typically the same endorsement that covers damage caused by a failing sump pump or a clogged septic tank.

Rain and flooding

Flood damage is not covered by a standard homeowners policy; you must purchase separate flood insurance. Flooding can occur as a result of an overflowing body of water, a downpour that is so heavy that the ground cannot absorb it, or a storm surge from a hurricane. (If you don't have flood insurance, here's how to get help.)

However, there are some instances where rainwater damage may be covered. As an example:

• A tree is blown onto your roof by strong winds, destroying some shingles and allowing rain to enter your top floor.
• A large piece of hail smashes your window, allowing rain to pour in through the shattered glass.

Putting out a fire

Assume your kitchen is on fire. The firefighters arrive quickly and prevent the fire from spreading throughout your home. The water from their hoses, on the other hand, causes significant damage to your floor and cabinets.

Your homeowners insurance will most likely cover not only the damage caused by fire and smoke, but also the water damage caused by extinguishing the fire.

What about mold from water damage?

Mold can form in as little as a day or two after water damage, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If the water damage that caused the mold is covered by your home insurance policy, mold remediation may be covered as well. So, if mold began to grow after a pipe burst, you may be covered. You probably wouldn't if the mold was caused by a flood.

Should you file a water damage claim?

Even if you believe your water damage is covered, filing a claim isn't always a sure thing. If the damage is minor, you may not receive much of a payout after the insurance company deducts your deductible. And that amount could be completely wiped out if your insurance company decides to raise your premium as a result of your claim.

Keep in mind that if you file too many claims, some insurance companies may refuse to renew your policy. So, if you have minor water damage, you may be better off paying for repairs yourself, especially if you've filed other claims in the last five to seven years.

How to file a water damage claim

Here are a few key steps to take once you've decided a claim is worth submitting.

Prevent further damage. If you discover a problem, act quickly to prevent it from worsening. This may entail turning off the water to that area of the house or dehumidifying the room to prevent mold growth.

Submit your claim as soon as possible. The sooner you contact your insurance provider, the sooner you will be reimbursed. You may be able to submit a claim online, by phone, or through the company's mobile app, depending on your insurer.

Take pictures of the damage. Take photos or video of the damage before beginning any cleanup or repairs. In order to reimburse you for ruined personal belongings, your insurer will most likely request an inventory.

Make short-term fixes. While you should wait until your insurance adjuster has reviewed the damage before scheduling major work, you can take smaller steps to protect your home. For example, putting a tarp over a leaky roof can keep more water out, and throwing out a damp carpet can keep mold at bay. Keep receipts for any purchases you make, as your insurer may reimburse you.

How to prevent water damage in your home

Follow these guidelines to avoid water damage claims entirely.

• Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts, and think about installing gutter guards to keep leaves and other debris out.
• To prevent burst pipes in the winter, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees.
• Check major appliances, including hoses and pipes, on a regular basis for leaks and other damage, and make repairs as soon as possible. Inspect your roof for damaged shingles as well.
• Know the location of your home's main water shutoff valve in case of an emergency.
• Consider using smart-home technology to notify you of any hidden leaks.