Does Renters Insurance Cover Flood Damage from the Toilet?

Plumbing issues can happen to any apartment. Overflows can cause a lot of damage if not caught in time. So what happens if your toilet suddenly overflows and ruins the rug and your clothes?

Unfortunately, this isn’t a straight forward answer. In general, a renters insurance policy won’t cover water damage. Floods are not part of a basic renters insurance policy, but can be purchased separately. There is, however, a chance that certain water damages may be covered.

Renters insurance covers damage or loss of your items due to:

• Fire
• Smoke
• Lightning
• Theft
• Wind
• Explosion
• Vandalism
• Sudden and accidental discharge of water

This is a very specific type of water damage that can be debated. A sudden discharge of water, as from the toilet, could be covered by your insurance policy. There is also a possibility that you can add sewer and drain backup coverage. Keep in mind, however, that if the overflow was your fault, then the insurance agency won’t cover the damages. Damage done to the interior of the apartment should be covered under your landlord’s property insurance, so be sure to notify them immediately after cleaning up the water.

Be sure to speak with your Houston insurance agent about your policy to make sure that water damage is covered.

Should I File a Claim for Water Damage?

This question also depends on the situation. First, consider the incident itself. If the damage occurred due to a mistake or negligence on your part, the claim is very likely to be denied. If the incident occurred suddenly and accidentally, it may be covered. But you should understand your deductible before filing a claim. Your deductible is what you will pay out of pocket in order for the insurance agency to cover the rest of the damages. If the damage costs less to repair or replace than your deductible, it’s usually recommended that you simply replace the lost or damaged items rather than filing an insurance claim. For reference, a basic renters insurance deductible is $500. This is also because filing a claim can make your insurance rates rise. If the damage is more expensive to repair than your deductible and the incident was not your fault, you may want to call your insurance agent. Be sure to take pictures of the area and document the losses to make the process quicker and easier.