Can you turn to your insurance for moisture damage?

Whether moisture damage is covered by your insurance, depends on the nature of the moisture problem and the type of damage. Not every moisture problem as well as not all types of moisture damage fall within insurance coverage. Here, insurers make an important distinction between two types of damage, namely causal damage and consequential damage:

• Causal damage refers to the damage from the direct cause of the problem, such as a leak in a water pipe leading to moisture problems.
• Consequential damage On the other hand, the damage caused by the consequences of the problem, for example mould growth due to moisture caused by a leak.

In most cases, only consequential damage from the types of moisture problems listed below will be compensated:

First of all, we want to stress that every insurance policy is different, but for the following situations, you can usually count on compensation:

• A leak in the water pipe. Basic insurance usually covers property damage caused by such a leak. Even if the leak becomes visible only after a longer period of time and causes moisture damage to walls or floors, the insurance may intervene, provided it is within the policy conditions.
• In addition, insurance often offers cover in case of seeping water along the roof. This moisture problem, for example due to a leaking roof, is usually covered by fire insurance. Remember, however, that usually only consequential damage, such as water stains on the ceiling, is covered. You will have to pay for the repair of the leak itself.
• Finally, the insurance also intervenes in the event of vdamage caused by flooding or heavy rain. Sudden and unexpected water damage caused by broken appliances, such as a leaking washing machine, is often also fully reimbursed.

Please note: damage from leaks due to negligence or overdue maintenance is usually not covered. Could you have prevented the damage in time? Then the insurance company will usually not provide compensation.

Unfortunately, there are also situations where you cannot claim compensation. Some common situations are as follows:

• For moisture damage caused by rising damp the insurance does not intervene.In most cases, insurers consider this problem to be a result of negligence, for example by failing to install an adequate water barrier or maintain it in a timely manner. As a result, the cost of treating rising damp is usually not reimbursed.
• Also moisture damage caused by penetrating moisture is usually not covered, again because most insurers consider damage caused by persistent damp as a result of overdue maintenance.
• The damage caused by condensation moisture is usually not covered either. The reasoning here is often that the problem can be traced to a lack of proper ventilation, which can be easily prevented by investing in a ventilation system.

However, there are exceptions. Suppose you are faced with rising damp due to flooding or exceptionally heavy rainfall, insurance may sometimes provide cover. We therefore recommend that you carefully check the specific terms and conditions of your policy.

To find out if you are at water damage in the basement claim on your insurance, you have to apply exactly the same logic as above. There are only three situations where you can call your insurer:

1. If you have water in the basement due to a leak. Consequential damage, such as damaged furniture or walls, is usually covered. The cause itself (e.g. the pipe) is usually not covered, especially in case of overdue maintenance.
2. If your wet basement is due to a leaking roof. Again, you can get compensation for consequential damages unless the leak was caused by overdue maintenance.
3. If the water in the basement is a result of flooding or stormy weather.