Do you know about water inlet coverage?

Did you know that water damage is the number one cause of home insurance claims in Quebec? That’s why it’s important to be protected to avoid unpleasant surprises if you need to make a claim.

Your home insurance policy covers damages caused by your indoor plumbing system (e.g., if your dishwasher drain line bursts or your bathtub overflows). It also covers damage inside your home due to breakage of a public water main.

However, some water damage is not covered by your policy and requires additional coverage, such as damage to your property due to water inlet breakage. Keep reading to learn more about water inlet coverage – it only costs a few dollars a year, but could save you a lot of trouble.

What is a water inlet?
A water inlet is a pipe connecting your home to the municipal drinking water supply. If you have a private well, the water inlet runs from the well outlet to the main shut-off valve inside your house. The shut-off valve is used to completely shut off the water to your house.

If the water inlet pipe leaks or breaks, water can build up and seep into your home.

Detecting a water inlet break
There are some things you can watch out for that could indicate problems. For example, you might notice low water pressure when you turn on the tap, hear a hissing sound near the water inlet, or see water accumulating inside your house.

If there is a problem with your water inlet, it’s best to contact your municipality directly. If there is work that has to be done, a worker will shut the water off to your house.

Am I covered if my water inlet pipe breaks?
If there is breakage causing damage inside your home, rest assured, this is usually covered by your home insurance policy.

However, if the water inlet itself is damaged, there is often excavation work that has to be done to repair the pipe and damage to your property. That’s when having water inlet coverage really pays off. It will cover the costs of excavating and repairing your property, which are often quite high and are not covered by your home insurance policy.

Is everyone with insurance eligible for this coverage?
The criteria for eligibility and the maximums granted for claims vary from one insurer to the next.

Contact your insurer to learn more about this coverage, find out whether you’re eligible, and add it to your home insurance policy. An agent would be happy to take the time to answer all your questions.