Why there is no honest average
Searches for the average payout for water damage return national figures, and those figures are of little use to you. Payouts depend on the cause, the policy limits, the deductible, the size of the loss and what the insurer decides is covered. Two identical leaks can produce very different checks.
We do not quote figures here, because any number would be a guess. What we can do is explain what moves the number, so you can estimate your own situation.
What decides a payout
Whether the cause is covered
The Washington insurance commissioner says home policies are meant for sudden disasters. A burst pipe is different from a leak that has run for months.
Your deductible
The deductible comes out of the payment. A small loss may fall under it and produce no payment at all.
Policy limits
Some policies cap certain items, such as water backup or mold, at set amounts. Read the declarations page.
Replacement versus actual value
Some policies pay what an item would cost to replace and others pay depreciated value. Check yours.
What the commissioner says is usually not covered
- Gradual leaks that continue for long, even if you did not know they had started.
- Faucet leaks.
- A leaking foundation, cracks or gaps.
- Groundwater seeping into the home.
- Damage that develops over more than a couple of days.
- Damage that grows because you delayed repairs.
- Flood damage, under a typical home insurance policy.
Need the damage documented?
Call the 24/7 line. A written scope helps your insurer understand the loss.
The parts of a claim that often get paid
For a covered sudden loss, the pieces usually include emergency mitigation, drying, removal of ruined materials and repair or replacement of the structure. Personal belongings fall under a different part of the policy. Additional living expenses can apply when you cannot stay in the home.
Mold is its own question. The commissioner says many homeowner policies offer limited mold coverage, but only when the mold results from a covered loss.
Ways to avoid a smaller payout than you should get
Report right away
Late reporting hands the insurer a reason to reduce a claim.
Mitigate immediately
Dry the structure. Policies expect reasonable steps to limit damage.
Photograph and list everything
Itemize damaged contents with age, price and photos.
Get the scope in writing
A detailed scope helps you compare the insurer's estimate.
Keep receipts
Hotel, meals and equipment all belong in the file.
Ask questions in writing
Ask the insurer to explain any reduction and keep the answer.
Where flood and sewer backup fit
A typical home insurance policy does not cover damage caused by flooding, according to the Washington commissioner. National Flood Insurance Program policies start covering a building 30 days after the policy is written, unless a lender requires sooner, and the residential limits are $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents.
Sewer or drain backup is often an add-on to a home policy rather than a standard feature. Ask your agent. If you wait until a backup happens, it is too late to add.
What we can and cannot tell you
We cannot say what your insurer will pay. We can tell you what the work involves, explain the scope and price before work starts and document the damage so your insurer can see it. If water is still present, emergency water removal comes first.
A simple worksheet before you call the insurer
- Write down when you first noticed the water and when it started, as best you can tell.
- List the rooms and materials affected, and photograph each one.
- Find your policy's declarations page and note the deductible and the limits.
- Note whether you have separate flood or sewer backup coverage.
- Keep every receipt for emergency services, hotels and replacement items.
This worksheet does not predict a payout. It gives you answers to the questions the adjuster will ask and makes the first call shorter.
If the number looks too low
Ask the insurer to explain, in writing, how it reached the figure. Compare the line items to your contractor's scope. Differences often come from materials, quantities or the pace of drying equipment.
The state says you may request an appraisal if you disagree about the amount of the loss and may hire a licensed public adjuster. The commissioner's consumer advocacy line at 800-562-6900 can explain your options.
Before you talk numbers
A written scope for the first stage of work is described under water mitigation, and rebuild scope under water damage repair.
Neighbors in Kirkland and Lynnwood can call the same line for documentation.
Common questions
There is no reliable single average. Payouts depend on the cause, policy limits, deductible and scope of the loss. Your insurer decides what your policy pays.
The Washington commissioner says most homeowners policies do not cover gradual leaks that continue for long. Check your policy and ask your insurer.
Yes. The deductible is subtracted from a covered loss. A larger deductible lowers the premium but raises what you pay first.
The city's hazard annex says 6.10 percent of its land is in special flood hazard areas. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and ask your agent about separate flood coverage.