What Is Hidden Water Damage?

Protecting your home from the unexpected — that’s what insurance is all about. But when it comes to homeowners insurance and water damage, things can get a little tricky. Water damage can be costly and expensive to repair, which is why we provide greater protection to cover water damage. At American Family Insurance, our optional Hidden Water coverage provides you this extra protection giving you confidence you’ll be protected against the unexpected.

So what is Hidden Water coverage? Hidden water damage insurance covers water damage caused by a leak you can’t see within plumbing or a household appliance. The hidden water leak can result from hidden wear and tear, deterioration, corrosion or rust from your home’s internal systems.

Simply put, it covers the cost to repair damage done by a hidden water leak you can’t see within the walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets, beneath the floors or behind or under a home appliance.

A homeowners policy normally doesn’t protect you from many types of water damage — including hidden water leaks. That’s why this coverage is so important to have. Adding this optional coverage will provide a wider breadth of protection for water damage that sneaks up and causes expensive damage to your home.

Let’s take a look at how adding Hidden Water coverage to your policy gives you peace of mind that — no matter what the unexpected throws your way — we’ve got you covered.

Benefits of Hidden Water Coverage

When you add Hidden Water coverage to your policy, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge that you’re covered for unexpected water damage surprises.

Let’s break down what it covers:

What are the Hidden Water coverage limits?

A variety of coverage limit options are available, from $5,000, $10,000 and a max coverage limit of $25,000. Your agent can help you select a coverage limit that’s best for you.

Is Hidden Water coverage worth it?

Absolutely! Keep in mind, the cost for hidden water damage would come straight out of your own pocket since your standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover that type of water damage. By adding this coverage you can avoid unexpected water damage costs in your home and better manage unplanned-for expenses.

Take a look at an example of how this coverage works:

Due to wear and tear, your 20-year-old plumbing line periodically leaks at the connection point behind the shower. Unfortunately, the water loss has damaged the drywall, insulation and flooring behind and under your shower — resulting in $5,000 worth of damage. Without hidden water cost coverage, you’d be responsible for covering that cost. But thankfully you added the Hidden Water coverage to your policy and now you’re able to file a claim and let your insurer take care of the expenses (after your deductible).

Am I eligible for Hidden Water coverage?

Do you have a home insurance policy with American Family Insurance? Then you may qualify!* In fact, whether it’s for your primary residence, vacation home, condo or manufactured home, you can add this coverage to your policy. We make it simple because we want to make sure undetected water damage isn’t something you worry about anymore. Just give a call to your agent and they’ll help add the coverage to your policy. It’s that easy.

*This coverage is not available in MN at this time.

Some coverages may not be available in your state or on your specific policy form. Please speak with your agent to learn more about your coverage options.