If your home depends on a well pump for water, you might wonder if your homeowner’s insurance will cover well pump repairs if something goes wrong. The answer depends on why it’s not working properly. In general, insurance may cover well pump repairs if the damage is due to specific events. However, insurance doesn’t usually help with problems related to regular wear or mechanical failures. Let’s explore what your insurance covers and where you might need extra protection.
When Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Well Pump Failure?
Homeowners insurance typically covers well pump damage when it’s caused by certain events, known as covered perils. These include unexpected incidents like fires or storms that damage your home or property. If your well pump is affected by one of these, your insurance could help pay for the well pump repairs.
Well Pump Repairs Usually Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance
Here are some examples of situations where your well pump damage might be covered:
- Fire Damage: If your well pump becomes damaged by a fire, it is usually covered by a homeowner policy.
- Power Surges or Lightning Strikes: The electrical system in a well pump can be fried by a sudden surge of power or a lightning strike. Most homeowner policies will cover this type of damage.
- Weather-Related Damage: Orlando, FL has its share of hurricanes and tornadoes. If a well pump suffers damage due to severe weather like strong winds or hail well pump repairs are usually covered.
- Falling Trees: If a tree, or other object falls on your well pump and damages it, insurance usually covers repairs.
- “Some jerk vandalized it!” (People, am I right?)
- Vandalism: If your well pump is damaged due to intentional harm, such as vandalism, a riot, or a break-in, homeowner’s insurance usually covers the repair or replacement.
Coverage for Dwelling vs. Other Structures
Where’s your well pump located on your property? If it’s snuggled up to your house, that’s “dwelling coverage” territory. Separate little pump house? That falls under “other structures,” which usually means you can claim up to 10% of what your house is insured for. So, if your house is insured for $200k, you’ve got up to $20k for pump shenanigans.
When Does Home Insurance Not Cover Well Pump Repairs?
While insurance can cover well pump damage in specific scenarios, it won’t protect against every type of failure. Many of the most common reasons for well pump breakdowns are not included.
Exclusions from Coverage
There are some situations which are not covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy:
- Normal Wear and Tear: Insurance won’t cover a well pump that breaks down due to its age. Over time, pumps naturally wear out, and this is considered your responsibility.
- Mechanical or Electrical Failure: If the pump fails because of an internal malfunction, it’s not covered. Homeowners insurance excludes mechanical breakdowns.
- Maintenance Issues and Lack of Upkeep: Poor maintenance can cause a well pump to fail, but insurance won’t help with repairs in these cases. Regular upkeep is key to avoiding costly breakdowns.
- Pest Damage: Damage from pests like rodents or insects is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. You’ll have to pay for pest-related repairs on your own.
- Earthquake or Earth Movement: Earthquakes and ground shifting aren’t covered unless you have separate earthquake insurance.
- Flood Damage: Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. To protect your well pump from flooding, you’d need a flood insurance policy.
Want Extra Protection? You’ve Got Options
If you’re losing sleep over potential well pump problems, consider these:
- Equipment Breakdown Coverage: It’s like a security blanket for your pump. Costs about as much as a few fancy coffees a year.
- Home Warranty: The all-rounder. More expensive, but covers a bunch of home stuff.
Warning Signs: Is Your Well Pump Failing?
There are a few signs that can let you know that you are likely to need well pump repairs soon.
Here are a few things to keep an eye out for.
- Water coming out of your pipes looking like it’s got dirt in it.
- Shower feeling more like a drizzle? Your well pump might be slacking.
- Water tasting funky? Your pump could be to blame.
- Electric bill sky-high? Might be your pump working overtime.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s smart to check the other components in your system, like the well tank or pressure switch. Problems with these parts can also cause issues that seem like pump failures.
Homeowner’s insurance can cover well pump repairs, but only if the damage is caused by a specific event like a storm or fire. Unfortunately, normal breakdowns, maintenance issues, and age-related failures won’t be covered. That’s where equipment breakdown coverage or a home warranty can help by covering mechanical problems and wear.
It’s a good idea to carefully review your insurance policy and consider additional coverage options to protect your well pump. Keeping an eye out for signs of damage can also help you catch problems early, avoiding more significant repairs down the road. If you are having problems with your well pump, call the experts at Service Minds Benjamin Franklin! We will be happy to make the well pump repairs needed to get fresh, clean water flowing in your Orlando home once again.