Sudden vs gradual: the line that decides most claims
Washington insurers sort water damage into two kinds. Sudden and accidental leaks are usually covered. Gradual leaks, the kind that build up over weeks or months, usually aren't.
| Sudden and accidental (usually covered) | Gradual (usually not covered) |
|---|---|
| Broken plumbing | A faucet that has dripped for months |
| A washing machine that fails | Water seeping through foundation cracks |
| A burst or frozen pipe in a properly heated home | Gaps between building materials that let water in |
Two habits protect your claim: report damage quickly, and follow your insurer's instructions for fixing the leak. If a storm damages your roof, repair it quickly; the Commissioner says delayed repairs can void coverage for the water damage that follows.
Source: WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Leaks, water damage and mold.
Mold
Mold, rot, fungi and rust are usually not covered, unless they come from water damage your policy does cover. Some insurers offer limited mold coverage as an add-on.
That's one more reason to dry things fast. The US EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold.
Sources: WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Leaks, water damage and mold; US EPA: Mold remediation guide, Chapter 4.
Sewer backup
Not covered by a standard home policy. Sewer backup and sump pump overflow coverage is an optional add-on, also called an endorsement.
In Bothell, the pipe from your house to the public main is yours, so a backup from your own line falls on you and your policy. See who pays for a sewer backup in Bothell.
Sources: WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Learn how home insurance works; WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Flood insurance.
Flooding
Standard home and renter policies in Washington specifically exclude flooding. You need National Flood Insurance Program coverage or a private flood policy.
- Standard NFIP limits are $250,000 for the home and $100,000 for contents.
- NFIP coverage usually starts 30 days after you buy it.
- Nearly one third of flood claims come from outside high-risk areas, according to FEMA figures cited by the Commissioner.
Bothell has had real floods; the city's hazard plan lists December 2007 as the most recent significant one. See flood cleanup in Bothell for local flood facts.
Sources: WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Flood insurance; King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan: City of Bothell annex (2025).
Filing a water damage claim, step by step
- Stop the damage. Shut off the water and start drying. Your policy expects you to prevent further damage.
- Report it quickly. Call your insurer and write down the claim number.
- Document everything. Photos, video, receipts and notes from every call.
- Choose your contractor. You can pick your own. Check it on the L&I Verify tool.
- Read before you sign. An assignment of benefits form can give the contractor control of claim payments.
- Get help if you need it. You can hire a licensed public adjuster, or call the Commissioner's Consumer Advocacy line at 800-562-6900.
Sources: WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Filing a homeowner insurance claim; WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Leaks, water damage and mold; WA Labor & Industries: Verify a contractor.
Water damage now?
If water is in your home right now, start with the first-hour steps on our water damage restoration in Bothell page, or call to be connected with a participating company.
Insurance questions
Is water damage from a burst pipe covered in Washington?
Usually, yes. Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner says home insurance usually covers burst pipes, including frozen pipes, if you heat your home properly. Report it quickly and follow your insurer's instructions. A pipe that leaked slowly for months is treated differently and may not be covered.
Why was my water damage claim denied?
A common reason is that the damage was gradual rather than sudden. Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner says policies usually don't cover slow leaks, such as a dripping faucet or water entering through foundation cracks. Delayed roof repairs can also void coverage for the water damage that follows.
Does home insurance cover mold in Washington?
Usually not, unless the mold comes from water damage your policy covers. Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner says some insurers offer limited mold coverage, and you may be able to add it to your policy. Check with your agent before you need it.
Do I have to use my insurance company's contractor?
No. Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner says you can choose your own contractor. Be careful with an assignment of benefits form, which can hand control of your claim payments to the contractor, and check the company on the L&I Verify tool before signing.
Who can help if I have a problem with my insurer?
Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner runs a Consumer Advocacy line at 800-562-6900, weekdays 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and an online Ask an insurance expert form. You can also hire a licensed public adjuster to work on your side of the claim.