Water damage is one of the most common—and costly—reasons homeowners file insurance claims. And in Colorado, where we see everything from deep freezes to fast-moving storms, it’s especially important to understand what’s protected under your policy and what’s not.
At Conexus Insurance Partners, we believe in helping you stay informed so you can feel confident in your coverage—not caught off guard when the unexpected happens. Here’s a straightforward look at how homeowners insurance typically handles water damage.
💧 What Water Damage May Be Covered?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. That means it needs to be unexpected—not the result of long-term wear or poor maintenance. Common examples we see in Colorado include:
- Burst Pipes or Sudden Leaks
Frozen pipes during winter are a frequent issue here. If one bursts and damages your home, the resulting cleanup may be covered—if it wasn’t due to preventable neglect. - Overflow from Plumbing or HVAC Systems
If your toilet or tub overflows, or your air conditioner leaks unexpectedly and causes damage, you may be protected. - Roof Leaks from Storms or Hail
Colorado hailstorms are no joke. If your roof is damaged by a covered weather event and water gets in, many policies will help cover the resulting interior damage. - Water Damage from Firefighting Efforts
If a fire is extinguished and water damages your property in the process, that’s typically included in your coverage.
🚫 What’s Usually Not Covered?
It’s just as important to know what your policy likely doesn’t cover. Some common exclusions include:
- Flooding from Outside the Home
Water that enters your home from overflowing rivers, snowmelt, or heavy rainfall is considered “flood” damage and isn’t covered under standard policies. A separate flood insurance policy is needed for that. - Sewer Backup or Sump Pump Failure
These types of backups are common in Colorado basements—but unless you’ve added water backup coverage, the damage may not be covered. - Ongoing Leaks and Maintenance Issues
Gradual leaks from worn plumbing or poor upkeep typically fall outside of coverage. Insurance is designed for sudden, unexpected events—not preventable ones. - The Item That Caused the Damage
Insurance may pay to fix the damage caused by a leak—but it won’t necessarily cover the cost to repair or replace the water heater, pipe, or appliance that failed.
🛡️ Coverage Add-Ons Worth Considering
Every home is different. We often recommend these optional protections to help strengthen your policy:
- Flood Insurance
Especially important if you live near a water source or in an area that’s seen wildfire-related runoff and flooding. - Water Backup and Sump Pump Coverage
An affordable add-on that provides peace of mind if a backup occurs. - Service Line Coverage
Helps cover the cost of repairing underground pipes, water lines, or power lines on your property.
✅ Smart Tips for Preventing Water Damage
- Winterize your pipes before freezing temps hit.
- Clean out gutters in the fall and spring to keep water flowing away from your foundation.
- Check your roof regularly, especially after hailstorms.
- Install a sump pump with backup power if you have a basement.
- Schedule an annual policy review to keep your coverage aligned with your needs.
Let's Make Sure You're Covered
At Conexus Insurance Partners, we’re here to help you make sense of your homeowners insurance—not just sell you a policy. If you’re unsure what’s covered or want to explore optional protections like flood or backup coverage, our team is ready to walk you through your options.
👉 Let’s connect and review your policy together—before you need to file a claim.
