Coming home to water on the floor is a terrible way to end a trip. The good news: a pipe that suddenly bursts is usually covered by homeowners insurance, even if you were away. The catch is that a few policy rules depend on what you did before you left, especially in winter.
Is a burst pipe covered?
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Usually, yes. The Insurance Information Institute (III) says homeowners insurance covers burst pipes. Your policy generally pays to repair the damage the water caused to your home and belongings, minus your deductible.
What it usually won’t pay for is the pipe itself if it simply wore out, or damage from a slow leak that went on for a long time. Standard policies exclude wear and tear and deterioration. Sewer backup and flood work differently, so see our post on sewer backup and flood for those.
The winter rule: keep the heat on or shut the water off
This is the big one in Ohio. Many policies are based on a standard form called the ISO HO 3. That form doesn’t cover damage from frozen pipes unless you used reasonable care to do one of these:
- keep the heat on in the house, or
- shut off the water and drain the pipes and appliances.
If you have a fire sprinkler system, the form says you need to keep the water on and keep the heat on.
So before a winter trip, don’t turn the furnace off to save money. Leave it set at a normal temperature. If you’ll be gone a long time, ask your agent whether you should shut off and drain the water instead.
Does being away count as “vacant”?
A normal vacation doesn’t make your home vacant. But long absences can matter. The HO 3 form drops coverage for vandalism, and for glass breakage, if the home has been vacant for more than 60 days in a row before the loss. Some policies have other rules for homes left empty a long time.
If you’re a snowbird or will be gone for months, call your agent before you leave. You may need a change to your policy.
What to do before you leave
III suggests a few simple steps that cut the risk of water damage:
- Know where your main water shut-off is.
- Turn off the water to your washing machine while you’re away.
- Don’t leave the washer or dishwasher running when you leave the house.
- Check hoses on your washer, dishwasher, water heater and fridge for cracks.
- Turn off and drain outside faucets before winter.
It also helps to:
- Ask a neighbor or family member to check on the house.
- Think about a water leak sensor or automatic shut-off valve. Some insurance companies offer a discount for these, so ask.
What to do if it happens
- Shut off the main water valve.
- Take photos and video of the damage before you clean up.
- Stop more damage if you safely can, like moving things out of the water and running fans. Save your receipts.
- Call your insurance company or your agent to start the claim.
The bottom line
A sudden burst pipe is usually covered, even while you’re on vacation. Keep the heat on in winter, shut off what you can, and call your agent before any long trip.
Want us to review your home policy before your next trip? Call or text us at 330-486-8404. We work with multiple top-rated carriers, and we’ll try to save you money.
Kaufman Insurance Group is an Ohio-based independent agency with agency licenses in Ohio and North Carolina. Contact us to shop multiple top carriers.
FAQs
What does homeowners insurance typically cover in the event of a burst pipe?
Homeowners insurance usually covers the water damage a sudden burst pipe causes to your home and belongings. It often won’t pay to replace the pipe itself if the pipe failed from age or wear.
Will my homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe if I am on vacation?
Usually, yes, as long as the policy is in effect and you took reasonable steps to prevent the pipe from freezing, like keeping the heat on or shutting off and draining the water.
What precautions should I take before I leave?
Keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, insulate exposed pipes, shut off the water to your washing machine and have someone check on the home.
Are there any situations where a burst pipe may not be covered by homeowners insurance?
Some policies may not cover damage from a burst pipe if the home was left without heat and the water wasn’t shut off and drained, or if the pipe burst due to lack of maintenance or wear.
What should I do if a pipe bursts in my home while I am on vacation?
Shut off the main water valve or have someone do it for you, take photos of the damage, and contact your insurance company or agent to start a claim.
Do I need to tell my insurance company when I go on vacation?
Not for a normal trip. If you’ll be away for a long time, call your agent first.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute, “How to protect your home from water damage”
- Insurance Information Institute, sample ISO HO 3 homeowners policy form
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