The Costly Mistake Marietta Homeowners Make About Water Damage

Marietta homeowners are all too aware of the damage that a sudden storm may cause. Heavy rains, flash floods, and overflowing storm drains may transform a quiet neighborhood into a catastrophe zone overnight. Many people feel confident their homeowner's insurance will protect them, but they discover too late that floodwater is not covered. A simple flaw in their policy could cost homeowners a massive amount of money in repairs.

The Insurance Coverage Trap: Flood vs. Water Damage

Defining the Key Terms

Insurance policies differentiate between flood and water damage, and understanding the distinction is critical.

  • Flood Damage occurs when water rises from an external source, such as heavy rain, river overflow, or storm surges.

  • Water Damage results from internal sources, like a burst pipe, leaking roof, or malfunctioning appliance.

Why It Matters

Many homeowners assume that if water damages their home, their insurance will cover it. However, standard homeowners insurance excludes flood and storm damage, requiring a separate flood insurance policy. This coverage gap can be financially devastating, especially after a significant storm.

The "Uh-Oh" Moment: When You Learn the Hard Way

Common Misconceptions That Lead to Denied Claims

  • "It's my property, so my insurance will handle it."

  • "Water came in through my crawlspace, not a flood zone, and I should be covered."

  • "Storm damage is water damage, right?"

Too often, homeowners only discover the reality after filing a claim.

A homeowner in Marietta faced this harsh lesson when a severe storm caused flash flooding in their neighborhood due to a clogged storm drain. Water rushed into their home, destroying flooring, furniture, and electronics. Expecting insurance to cover the damage, they were shocked when their claim was denied. Because the water came from an external source, it was classified as flood damage. They had enormous repair costs and no financial assistance without a separate flood insurance policy.

The Hidden Loopholes That Leave You Exposed

Anti-Concurrent Causation Clauses (The Insurance Fine Print)

Many policies contain an anti-concurrent causation clause, which can be a financial disaster for homeowners. If a storm causes both wind damage (covered) and flood damage (not covered) simultaneously, the entire claim may be denied—even for damages usually covered.

Floodplain Confusion

A common myth is that only homes in designated flood zones need flood insurance. The truth is that 25% of all flood insurance claims come from low-risk areas.

Storm Drain & Sewer Backups

Storm drains can quickly become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, leading to home water backup. Many standard policies exclude water backup damage unless an additional rider is purchased.

The Aftermath: What Happens When You're Not Covered

Financial Disaster

Without proper coverage, homeowners must pay out of pocket for:

  • Water extraction, structural drying, and mold remediation

  • Replacing flooring, drywall, and insulation

  • Restoring home contents such as furniture, appliances, and personal belongings

Before the next storm, review your policy carefully and consider adding flood insurance to avoid unexpected financial hardship. AdvantaClean of Marietta at (470) 819-2077 can help with prevention and recovery solutions if your home has suffered storm damage.

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