What is usually covered and what is not
| Often covered | Often not covered |
|---|---|
| A supply line or fitting that bursts | A leak that went on for months |
| A sudden overflow or appliance failure | Failed caulk, grout or an old shower pan |
| Drywall, flooring and cabinets damaged by that event | The failed pipe or part itself, in many policies |
| Drying and cleanup after the event | Upgrades beyond what was there before |
This is how policies commonly work, not a promise about yours. Coverage, exclusions and mold limits differ from policy to policy. We are remodelers, not insurance agents, and only your insurer can tell you what your policy pays.
What to do when you find water damage
- Shut off the water at the fixture or the main.
- Take photos and video before moving or removing anything.
- Call your insurance company and ask what they need from you.
- Start drying. In most policies you are expected to limit further damage.
- Keep receipts for emergency work and keep any failed parts.
- Wait for the adjuster before demolishing finished surfaces, unless the insurer tells you otherwise.
Insurance pays to restore, you pay to upgrade
If a claim is approved, the insurer pays to put back what was there, less your deductible. Many homeowners use that moment to remodel. The insurance money covers the like-for-like portion, and you pay the difference for the upgrades: tile instead of a fiberglass surround, a walk-in shower instead of the old tub.
We write the quote with the restoration work and the upgrades on separate lines, so you and your adjuster can see which is which. A walk-in shower runs $9,800 to $24,000 in total, and the insurance portion depends on what your adjuster approves.
Common bathroom leaks in Phoenix homes
- Old shower pans and tub surrounds that were never properly waterproofed
- Supply lines and shutoff valves worn by hard water
- Toilet seals and supply hoses
- Pipes under the slab, which show up as warm or damp spots on the floor
Whether any of these counts as sudden or gradual is the insurer's call. Whichever way the claim goes, the rebuild should include a full waterproofing system so the same leak does not come back.
Key facts
- Generally covered
- Sudden, accidental water damage
- Generally not covered
- Slow leaks, wear and tear, upgrades
- What insurance pays for
- Restoring what was there, less your deductible
- Who decides
- Your policy and your adjuster
Related questions
Where we do this work
Services: Full Bathroom Remodel · Walk-In Shower Remodel
Bathroom remodeling in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and across the Valley.