Does apartment insurance cover water damage caused by rain?
Coverage for flooding damage caused by rising water or heavy rain usually requires an additional policy.
My apartment suffered some damage from the heavy rains last week. Is any of this covered by my apartment insurance policy?
The answer depends on how exactly the water damage occurred, our experts say. Property loss due to flooding is not typically covered by standard apartment insurance policies.
"If there is wind damage to the window or roof and water comes in, that is usually covered. Some broader policies also provide coverage if water comes in through a window unintentionally left open," says Jeffrey Schneider of Gotham Brokerage (a Brick sponsor). "Water that seeps through a roof or exterior wall that has not been properly sealed is not usually covered. If the source of the water cannot be pinpointed, some broader policies may provide coverage."
Coverage for flooding damage caused by rising water or heavy rain usually requires purchasing an additional policy.
"There is a special perils policy that is broader," Schneider says. "There may be minimum coverage limits required, as well as certain underwriting requirements regarding your building."
New Yorkers whose homes suffered damage in the recent storm have recourse to recoup some of their losses, though. New York and New Jersey residents can receive federal aid for repairs, and you can report damage to your home to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to receive disaster assistance. And if you are concerned about the possibility of future flooding in your area, the National Flood Insurance Program offers information about purchasing additional policies.
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