The Distinction Most Claims Turn On

The distinction

Policies commonly treat two things differently: the damage the escaping water caused, and the pipe itself and the work of getting to it.

Many policies respond to the first and not the second. Some cover the access — opening and closing the slab — while excluding the repair of the pipe. The wording varies enough that no general statement is worth much, which is why this page has none.

What to ask your insurer, in these words

• Does the policy cover resulting water damage from a leak under the slab?
• Does it cover access — breaking and restoring the concrete?
• Does it cover the repair of the pipe itself?
• Is there a distinction between a sudden failure and gradual deterioration, and how is that decided?
• Is there anything I must do before work starts to preserve the claim?

That last one matters more than it looks. Some policies require notification, or an inspection, before remediation begins — and a floor that has already been closed cannot be inspected.

What we do not do

We do not advise on insurance, we are not qualified to, and no page here tells you what your policy says. If a contractor tells you confidently what your insurer will pay, treat that as an opinion from somebody who has not read your policy.

Read next

• What a leak wastes
• Repair options