Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage From Dishwasher?

Homeowners insurance protects one of life’s most significant investments: a home. It provides protection against various perils that could damage property or personal belongings. A common concern involves water damage from household appliances, particularly dishwashers. Understanding how insurance policies respond to such incidents is important for homeowners.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance policies, such as the HO-3 and HO-5, typically cover water damage from a dishwasher if the incident is “sudden and accidental.” This means the damage occurred unexpectedly, not gradually over time. Examples include a burst hose, a pipe connection suddenly failing, or a mechanical malfunction causing an immediate overflow or leak.

Policies cover both the dwelling (physical structure) and personal property (belongings) damaged by such an event. If water damages flooring, cabinets, or walls, dwelling coverage applies. If personal items like rugs or furniture are damaged, personal property coverage helps with repair or replacement. Many policies also include “Additional Living Expenses” (ALE) or “Loss of Use” coverage, which helps cover increased costs if the home is temporarily uninhabitable, such as hotel stays or temporary housing.

Most standard homeowners policies, such as HO-3, provide “open perils” coverage for the dwelling, covering all damage unless excluded. For personal property, HO-3 policies offer “named perils” coverage, covering only listed perils. The more comprehensive HO-5 policy offers “open perils” coverage for both. Regardless, sudden and accidental water discharge from an appliance like a dishwasher is commonly a covered peril.

Common Exclusions for Water Damage

While homeowners insurance often covers sudden dishwasher-related water damage, several common exclusions exist. Damage from lack of proper maintenance or neglect is typically excluded. If a slow, long-term leak was ignored, the claim would likely be denied as it was not sudden and accidental. Homeowners are expected to maintain their property.

Damage caused by natural floods, such as from heavy rain or overflowing rivers, is excluded. Standard policies do not cover flood damage, which requires a separate flood insurance policy, often available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Water damage from sewer back-up or sump pump failure is also frequently excluded. Homeowners can often purchase an endorsement or separate policy for these risks.

Damage due to normal wear and tear of an appliance or plumbing system is not covered. Homeowners insurance is for unexpected events, not gradual deterioration. The policy covers damage caused by water, not the cost of repairing or replacing the faulty dishwasher itself. Appliance repair or replacement generally falls under a manufacturer’s warranty or a home warranty.

Filing a Claim

When water damage from a dishwasher occurs and appears covered, prompt action is important. Immediately stop the water source to prevent further damage, such as turning off the dishwasher’s water supply or the main water shut-off. Document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos, capturing the leak source and all affected areas.

Homeowners should also take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage, like drying the area or removing wet items. Contact the insurance company promptly to report the loss, including the incident date and damage description. The insurer will assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage and confirm coverage. Have all documentation ready for the adjuster, including repair estimates or receipts for damaged items.

Once the adjuster completes their assessment, the insurance company will communicate the settlement offer. The amount depends on the policy’s terms, including the deductible, which is the amount the homeowner pays out-of-pocket before coverage begins. Funds are typically disbursed for repairs, and it is important to keep records of all expenses related to the damage and repair process.