Is water damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Usually, when it is sudden and accidental like a burst pipe. Gradual leaks and outside flooding are handled differently, and we document the cause so it is filed correctly.

What is the flood exception?

Water that rises from outside, from storm surge or heavy rain flooding in at ground level, generally needs separate flood insurance rather than a standard policy.

Do you deal with the adjuster for me?

Yes. We write the estimate in Xactimate, the software adjusters use, and communicate with your carrier directly so you are not managing the claim alone.

What if the adjuster's estimate is lower than the contractor's?

It happens. NY DFS says you can get an estimate from your own contractor to compare with the insurance company's. If you still can't agree on the amount, your policy may have an appraisal process for that dispute, and DFS also suggests an attorney or a licensed public adjuster.

Water Damage Insurance Claims in NYC

Water Damage Claims

Whether a water loss is covered comes down to one thing: was it sudden and accidental, or slow and gradual. A burst pipe is the classic covered event; a leak ignored for months is usually treated as maintenance. And water that rises from outside is its own category that needs flood coverage. We document the cause carefully so your claim is filed the right way. Here are the photos and moisture logs we keep on every water job. Mold that grows after a leak is often handled as its own claim; here is how mold claims usually go.

Filing in New York

How do you file a water damage claim in New York?

For a burst pipe or another sudden leak inside the home, call your insurance company or agent as soon as you find the damage, then follow up in writing. New York's Department of Financial Services (DFS) covers the first steps on its loss and mitigation page.

Photograph first. Take photos and video of the damage before anything gets cleaned up.
Check the deductible. Compare the damage to your deductible before you file; a small loss may cost less than the deductible.
Notify promptly. A phone call is fine to start. Follow up with written notice and keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Protect the property. DFS says to protect it from further damage. With water, that means stopping the source and starting the drying. Permanent repairs wait until the insurer has inspected.
Save receipts. Keep every receipt for temporary fixes.
Ask what they need. Ask the insurer exactly which documents and forms it wants, and get each deadline in writing.

If the claim is denied, DFS says the insurer should give a reason supported by the policy language. Ask to see the exact wording. If you still think it's wrong, its consumer resources page says you can file a complaint on the DFS website or call its Consumer Hotline at (800) 342-3736.

If the water came from another apartment, the building's master policy and each owner's own policy may split the damage. Our guide on how the master policy and unit policies split it walks through the usual setups.

All Star Restoration dries out burst-pipe and leak damage throughout NYC and Nassau County and documents it for your claim. Reach our team at 646-543-2242.

Water Damage Claims

Water Damage Claims

Typically covered

Usually not covered

How do you file a water damage claim in New York?

We document it the way carriers require

On every claim we

Answers before you call

Your property. Our priority.

Tell us what happened