Generally, your home insurance will only provide coverage for a well that is drying up if the fault or damage to the well was caused by a covered catastrophe, such as a storm. However, if the well dried up due to natural causes, your home insurance policy probably won't cover it. Dry wells can be a major issue if the well is your main source of water supply and your home stays dry. There are some exceptions where an insurance company may offer coverage for the relocation of a dry well.
If the well dried up due to one of the hazards mentioned in your insurance policy, such as an earthquake or a house fire, you could file a claim and receive compensation for the cost of the move. It's important to consult your insurance agent to find out if the well relocation is covered by your policy. Generally, a homeowners insurance policy covers the well pump that pumps water from the well. However, coverage is only included for the hazards mentioned in your policy and wear and tear and negligence through your fault are excluded.
Water damage isn't always covered by home insurance if it's not the result of an accident or a sudden, unexpected event. You can purchase a floating policy or an endorsement that adds additional mold coverage to your home insurance policy. In this case, your standard homeowners insurance policy will cover the costs associated with the damage, and an agent can help you start the process of filing an insurance claim for water damage. If your insurer doesn't offer an additional clause on equipment breakdowns or a guarantee, you may want to invest in a home warranty for your well.
Mold damage is generally covered by home insurance, as long as it's not due to lack of maintenance or negligence. Standard home insurance policies cover water damage if it is sudden and internal, with the requirement that the water has never touched the outside ground. If a pipe in your house has been leaking for months and hasn't been repaired, mold can grow as a result, but your home insurance won't cover it. The pump may break down due to one of the hazards included in your home insurance coverage, such as windstorms, lightning, or fire.
If your insurer doesn't offer one, you may want to invest in a home warranty or look for another insurance company. It's important to contact your insurer as soon as possible once you discover water damage in your home. This is useful if the insurance adjuster's coverage quote is too low and provides you with an opportunity to negotiate with your insurer. If your well pump is located inside your home (for example, in the basement), it will be covered by the home coverage of your home insurance.
So let's take a look at some of the most common forms of well breakdowns and what type of coverage you can expect from your home insurer.
