Will My Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Flood Damage vs. Water Damage: The Difference That Determines Your Coverage

This is the most important thing to understand before you file a claim: flood damage and water damage are not the same thing in the eyes of your insurance company.

Flood damage - water that enters your home from outside, typically from rising groundwater, overflowing rivers, or heavy runoff - is not covered by a standard homeowner's insurance policy. Flood coverage is purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. Many Utah homeowners don't have it.

Water damage - water that originates inside your home from a sudden and accidental event - is typically covered by your standard homeowner's policy. Burst pipes, appliance failures, roof leaks, and overflowing toilets generally fall here.

What Are "Resulting Damages"?

"Resulting damages" is a term worth knowing. It refers to all the damage that results from the original water event - not just the source itself. For example, if a pipe bursts and the water ruins your drywall, flooring, and insulation, those are all resulting damages. In most cases, your homeowner's policy covers resulting damages from a covered water event.

This is why a burst pipe claim isn't just "replace the pipe" - it includes the full cost of restoring everything the water touched.

What About a Pipe That Froze and Burst?

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter claims in Utah. If a pipe freezes and bursts, your homeowner's policy typically covers the resulting water damage - the flooring, drywall, and everything else the water ruined.

In some cases, your policy may also cover the cost to repair the pipe itself - but this varies by carrier. The rule is generally: if the damage was sudden and accidental (not the result of neglect or lack of maintenance), it's covered.

This is why it matters to keep your home heated during winter and take preventive measures. If an adjuster determines you knowingly let pipes freeze without taking reasonable precautions, coverage can be disputed.

Report to Your Insurance Agent Immediately

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make: waiting too long to report water damage. Most policies require prompt notification of a loss. Waiting days or weeks can give your carrier grounds to reduce or deny your claim.

Call your insurance agent as soon as the damage occurs - even if you haven't had time to assess the full extent. You can update the claim as you learn more. What you don't want to do is delay.

Five Point Restoration recommends calling us at the same time you call your agent, or even before. We respond immediately, stop active damage, and begin documentation - giving your adjuster everything they need to process the claim smoothly.

The Mold Problem: Why Speed Matters

Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours of a water damage event. Once mold takes hold, you no longer just have a water damage claim - you have a mold remediation claim, which adds cost, complexity, and in some cases, policy complications.

Most policies cover mold remediation when it results from a covered water event. But carriers have the right to argue that slow response contributed to the mold growth - which can affect your claim. The faster water damage is addressed, the cleaner your claim and the lower your overall costs.

What To Do When You Have Water Damage

1. Stop the source. Shut off the water if it's from a pipe or appliance. Don't let it keep running.
2. Call Five Point Restoration. We respond immediately - 801-566-1577. Emergency response, 24/7.
3. Call your insurance agent. Report the claim promptly. Do it the same day.
4. Document the damage. Take photos before any cleanup begins. More documentation is always better.
5. Don't throw anything away until your adjuster or restoration company has documented it. Items may be replaceable under your claim.

Five Point Restoration Works With Your Insurance

Five Point Restoration bills your insurance carrier directly. We handle the documentation, the line-item scope, and the adjuster coordination. In most cases, you just pay your deductible.

We've worked with every major carrier operating in Utah. We know the process, we know what adjusters look for, and we advocate for our customers to make sure claims are handled fairly. If you have water damage - or you're not sure whether yours is covered - give us a call at 801-566-1577. We'll help you figure it out.