Water damage comes in many forms, including: a pipe bursts, filling your basement with water; a bathtub overflows, damaging the ceiling below; or, a dishwasher leaks, ruining your hardwood floors. Whatever form it takes, the resulting damage can be devastating. Today, water damage is one of the most common types of home insurance claims in North America. Water damage claims amount to double that of fire and theft claims combined.
There are many steps you can take to prevent water damage. That said, the only way to financially protect your family and home against water damage is to buy water damage insurance. In North America, most home insurance providers give you the option of adding water damage insurance to your policy. At Square One Insurance Services, our policies automatically include protection against most types of water damage. No paying extra. To learn more about water damage insurance, review the information provided below.
Does home insurance cover water damage? |
Most home insurance policies do provide some coverage for damage caused by water. However, it’s probably one of the most confusing coverages in any policy. And, the type and amount of coverage provided varies widely by provider. If you have a comprehensive policy, which protects against all loss types except those specifically excluded, you might think you’re covered. That’s likely not the case. Most providers specifically exclude damage resulting from water. Some providers add limited water damage protection back in to the base policy. Other providers make you specifically add and pay for water damage protection. Please note that insurance for damage caused by coastal flood, ground water, rising water tables, waves, tidal waves, or tsunamis is not widely available in North America. As a result, the government has financial assistance programs in place. It’s also worth noting that some providers do not cover damage caused by inland flood. At Square One, our comprehensive home insurance policy automatically includes protection against most types of water damage with very few exclusions. These exclusions are clearly listed under our water damage exclusions section. If you’d like, please use the button below to download sample policy wordings and review the water damage exclusions. Download sample policy wordings |
|
What does water damage insurance cover? |
In a traditional policy, coverage is provided for damage caused by:
Often water backup is included, but with many providers you must specifically add and pay for this coverage. Even if water backup is covered, it may only cover the backing up of a sewer drain located inside your home. For example, there may be no coverage for damage resulting from an external drain that clogs and backs up, causing water to enter under your door. As mentioned earlier, home insurance policies in North America generally do not cover damage resulting from coastal floods, rising waters, tidal waves or tsunamis. Among other things, most policies also exclude damage caused by gradual, continuous or repeated seepage or leakage of water over a period of time. And, most policies will also exclude damage resulting from freezing and bursting pipes if you are away from your home during the usual heating season for more than 4 days (7 days at Square One) unless you:
Water damage may not be covered at all if you have a rental, vacant or vacation property. Many providers have also introduced sub-limits for damage resulting from water backups. This makes it even more important to read your policy carefully, or speak to your insurance provider, to make sure you have the broadest protection available. Square One automatically includes protection against most types of water damage, including water backup, up to the limits selected, in virtually all of its home insurance policies. |
|
How much does water damage insurance cost? |
Depending on your home insurance provider, water damage insurance may be included in the base policy. Or you may need to specifically add and pay for water and water backup damage protection. If your provider requires you to add this protection, it may cost anywhere from $10 to $250 (or more) a year to get the broadest protection available. Virtually all home insurance policies offered by Square One automatically include protection against most types of water damage, including water backup. No paying extra. |
|
What is the deductible for water damage? |
The deductible for water damage will most likely be the same as your standard policy deductible, which typically ranges from $500 to $5,000. |
Your time matters, and so does your stuff. Get a personalized home insurance quote in 5 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to wait in line for coffee.
Before you start, please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here are some of the reviews that contribute to our average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5. Want to read more? Visit our reviews page.
I can’t say enough good things about Square One. From the moment I signed up, their team was incredibly helpful, guiding me through the process with clear explanations and no pressure. The coverage options are flexible and affordable, perfectly tailored to my needs. Their customer service is top-notch, always friendly, and ready to answer any questions. I feel confident knowing I’m protected by a company that truly cares about its customers. I highly recommend Square One to anyone looking for reliable car insurance!
I've had a great experience with my insurance agent, Rebecca. The process was smooth from the very beginning — clear communication, quick responses, and genuinely helpful support. She made it easy to understand my coverage and always took the time to answer my questions without rushing. Reliable, trustworthy, and client-focused — I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for solid car insurance and great advice!
By far the best insurance provider I have dealt with. I am so glad to have found Square One and to be a client. Today, I dealt with Himalee Jayasooriya by telephone and she was so knowledgeable, pleasant, and helpful. This meant a lot to me being a senior, and she easily and quickly expedited all my car insurance needs. No nonsense, just great service and a great product.
I completed the comprehensive online application for only home insurance as I do not drive. It took a while covering pretty much everything I could think of. The given price of the premium was almost unbelievable. So much so, that I felt I needed to follow up with a phone call. I spoke with a rep that was very knowledgeable, and helped me along with reasonable suggestions and provided recommendations, ensuring the apples to apples coverage. I was extremely pleased with the price of the premium that was a staggering $748 less than my current insurance provider! Thanks so much Square One!
I recently purchased condo insurance from Square One online, and the experience was fantastic. The process was straightforward, user-friendly, and incredibly efficient. The ability to customize my coverage and get everything done quickly without hassle was a big plus. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a smooth and transparent insurance buying experience!
This was the smoothest online buying experience I have ever had. Before Square One came to my attention, I suffered through a number of long-winded and frustrating review processes with other brand name insurers, only to be informed at the end of the process that they do not provide short-term renters insurance! Square One not only provides very cost-effective coverage, but the process was exceptionally painless. Highly recommended!
These guys are terrific! The entire online experience of purchasing was the easiest ever, and they blow the 'big guys' out of the water! The customer reps are exceptionally friendly, kind, and patient... I can't even begin to tell you. I also dealt with Rachel LaHay... she was outstanding and deserves a raise, recognition, and promotion. Not to mention, Square One is the cheapest quote I saw anywhere in Toronto. Thanks guys!
This entire process was the most painless I've experienced while getting auto insurance. The two folks I spoke with, Eran and Stephanie were delightful and absolutely helpful. 10/10 would do it again.
I was hesitant at first but once I got to the end, I realized that I could play around with deductibles and add or take away things I don’t need right now. I felt much better and my quote went down a couple hundred a year. I also really liked the fact that I didn’t have to talk to anyone or wait for a phone call. Once I was happy with my quote and ready to “sign on the dotted line” I clicked the button, paid the fee, and I’m done! Thanks for making it so easy!! :)
Eran Azan was the most helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. He provided clear, thorough answers to all of my questions and concerns. Very assuring of all of the features of Square One, and is even going over the top - investigating a unique situation I have. I did not feel rushed or that any of my questions were not worthy. Eran made the whole experience feel incredibly empowering. Square One certainly is a competitor in the market of house insurance and I feel very confident with this coverage. Thank you so much, Eran, for such a pleasant call.