From the Olympus Claims Team: Water Damage Gone Wild

From the Olympus Claims Team: Water Damage Gone Wild

Water damage from non-weather-related causes are often referred to as “leakage/seepage” claims, and some coverage should be available through your HO3 policy. However, not all water damage in a home is caused by a pipe bursting or a faulty clothes or dish washing machine.

Water Damage Caused by Animals

The Olympus Insurance Claims Team has seen several cases in which an animal has managed to access a tap and cause a minor household flood. In one case, a dog turned on the water in a tub, and it overflowed. In another, a cat turned on the water in a sink, causing major spillage.

In most cases, accidental water damage caused by similar incidents involving household pets is covered. Other potential water claims caused by animals can include pipes chewed into by squirrels or other rodents who get into the attic or inside the walls of a home and gnaw at electrical and water lines.

Other Potential Water Hazards

The Olympus Claims Team also reports that water damage can occur over time or suddenly in any number of ways, but most incidents are preventable with careful and consistent home maintenance, adequate communication, and strict attention paid to surroundings.

• A couple of snowbird homeowners closed up their Florida condo at the end of the winter season and went back north. They covered the drains with plastic to prevent bugs from entering. When the lawn company arrived to do routine lawn work and turned on the water, the drains were blocked causing the entire condo to flood. Communication with the lawn care company could have helped the homeowners avoid the deluge.
• Large fish tanks or aquariums are depicted on television as fracturing as fish flop and water floods the room, but the most common reason for a leak from a fish tank is a cracked hose or line, which allows water to slowly drain out of the tank. Checking and replacing lines regularly can help prevent such mishaps.
• Flooding from a waterbed can also cause severe damage to flooring, drywall, and more, whether from a slow leak under the bed or a sudden rupture. Ask your agent if your homeowners insurance policy covers damage caused by aquarium or water bed leakage.

• Hanging items on a sprinkler head can cause breakage, as a bridal party in a high-rise hotel learned. They were getting ready for the bride’s big day when someone hooked the wedding dress to the ceiling. The broken sprinkler head flooded the 7th floor room and multiple rooms beneath, ruining the entire bridal party’s wardrobe, and causing over $300,000 in damages to the hotel.

Leakage and seepage water damage claims account for the most claims after weather related damage in Florida.  The Olympus Claims Team is always ready to help you in time of need.

About Olympus Insurance Company

Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and founded in 2007, Olympus Insurance Company specializes in Florida property insurance. Through its independent agency force, Olympus insures $40 billion worth of residential and investment property including homes, condos, rental property, and valuable personal property, with umbrella coverage and Spartan Enhanced Coverage available. Coverage for individual risks up to $5 million in total insured value is provided on one of the most comprehensive coverage forms in the industry.

For more information, visit olympusinsurance.com.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form a part of, replace, change or amend any terms, conditions, provisions or language within your Olympus Insurance policy. We encourage you to read your entire policy.