Utah Insurance Department
What the regulator says
Usually covered
Most standard policies cover wind and wind-driven rain, and damage from trees or falling objects.
Source: home claims info
Usually not covered
Flood, backed-up drains or sewers, and interior water from a storm when the roof or walls weren't damaged.
Source: home claims info
Frozen pipes
May not be covered if the damage results from negligence, such as not keeping adequate heat.
Source: home claims info
Endorsements
Some insurers offer endorsements for coverage a standard policy leaves out. Flood, earthquake and earth movement can be added by endorsement or separate policy.
Source: homeowners insurance
Sudden or gradual
Timing matters to an insurer
Policies commonly separate sudden, accidental water damage, like a burst pipe, from damage that built up over time, like a slow drip under a sink. Tell your insurer what you know about when the leak started, and keep the failed part.
Flood is a separate matter. Salt Lake City's emergency management page states that homeowner's policies don't cover flooding and that a flood policy typically takes up to 30 days to go into effect (city page). Coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program, and the Utah Insurance Department describes difference-in-conditions (DIC) policies that can include flood and earthquake (DIC policies).
After a loss
Steps the department recommends
Call your insurer or agent
As soon as possible, with your policy number. Ask what documents they need.
Prevent further damage
Temporary repairs such as covering a leaking roof or broken window.
Hold permanent repairs
Wait until the insurance company has inspected the property.
Save every receipt
Including temporary repairs and, if you can't live at home, additional living expenses.
Document it
Photos or video of the damage.
Disputes
If you disagree with a settlement
The Utah Insurance Department takes questions about disputes over the amount or terms of a settlement at 801-957-9305 or 800-439-3805. It also says it doesn't have the authority of a court to settle disputes between unwilling parties (home claims info).
The contractor you reach through this site can document the damage and the drying for your records. Decisions about coverage are between you and your insurer.
Salt Lake Valley
Talk the damage through with a local restoration contractor
A single call reaches an independent contractor that handles water, smoke and mold jobs in Salt Lake City and the surrounding cities. You decide whether to book anything.
Water where it shouldn't be?
The call goes to an independent restoration contractor that takes jobs in the Salt Lake Valley. Describe the source, the rooms involved and when it started.
Call (801) 823-6866Calls may be recorded for quality and billing. How the line is paid: referral disclosure. What is recorded: privacy.