The sudden vs. gradual rule
Virginia homeowners policies (HO-3, the standard form) cover sudden and accidental water discharge: a pipe that bursts in January, a supply line that lets go behind the washing machine, a water heater that ruptures. They do not cover gradual damage — the slow leak under the sink you ignored for a year, seepage through foundation cracks, or wear and tear. The entire claim turns on whether the event was sudden.
What typically IS covered
- Burst/frozen pipes and the resulting water damage
- Appliance failures (water heater, dishwasher, washing machine supply lines)
- Storm-driven rain entering through wind-damaged roofing
- Accidental overflow (tub left running)
What typically ISN'T
- Flood water rising from outside (needs separate NFIP flood insurance — critical in Hampton Roads' AE zones)
- Sewer backup (needs a water/sewer backup endorsement, usually $5–10K of coverage)
- Gradual leaks, seepage, neglected maintenance
- Mold remediation beyond small sub-limits, unless tied to a covered event
How claims actually get paid
Document before cleanup — photos, video, timestamps. Mitigate — policies require you to prevent further damage (this is why calling us first helps your claim, not hurts it). Keep everything — damaged materials, receipts, our moisture logs and line-item invoice. Adjusters approve documented claims; they interrogate undocumented ones. Our reports are formatted the way Virginia adjusters expect, which is why our customers' claims rarely stall.
Virginia-specific notes
Deductibles here commonly run $1,000–$2,500; hurricane deductibles (percentage-based) apply to named-storm wind damage, not to burst pipes. And if you're in a FEMA AE zone anywhere from the Oceanfront to Poquoson, carry flood insurance even with no mortgage requirement — standard homeowners covers essentially none of it.
Frequently asked
My pipe burst in January — covered?
Almost certainly yes, as a sudden event. Document the burst location, shutoff, and damage before cleanup, and notify your insurer within 24 hours.
What if the leak was slow for months?
Gradual damage is the standard exclusion. Be honest with your adjuster — misrepresenting timing is fraud, and we document what we actually find.
Does insurance pay for mold after a burst pipe?
Often yes, under the resulting-damage provisions, though many policies sub-limit mold to $5–10K. Fast drying keeps you under those limits.