Will Homeowners Insurance Protect You From a Dry Well

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect you from unexpected events, but will it cover you if your well runs dry? The answer lies in understanding what's typically covered and what's not.

A dry well can be a costly and inconvenient experience, especially if you're relying on it for household water needs. According to the article, some homeowners insurance policies may cover the cost of drilling a new well, but only if the policy specifically includes well drilling coverage.

The key is to review your policy documents carefully to see if you have this coverage. If you do, you'll want to make sure you understand the limits and any conditions that apply.

In some cases, a dry well may be considered an "external event" that's not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies.

For another approach, see: What Are the Three Main Types of Property Insurance Coverage

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Well Failures?

Homeowners insurance covers well failures that result from specific perils, such as vandalism or accidental damage.

Some policies may cover damage from these types of events, but it's essential to review your policy details to understand which perils are covered.

If your well fails due to natural depletion or drought, or poor maintenance, you would typically be responsible for any necessary repairs or drilling of a new well.

Standard policies do not cover wear and tear or poor maintenance leading to a well's decreased functionality or dryness.

Review your policy to understand which specific perils are covered, ensuring preparation for such scenarios.

Does homeowners insurance cover well failures? Yes, it depends on the cause of the failure.

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Homeowners insurance may not cover well failures caused by natural depletion or drought, as these are considered normal environmental conditions. This means if your well runs dry simply because of the water table dropping, you'll typically be responsible for any necessary repairs or drilling of a new well.

Standard policies also don't cover wear and tear or poor maintenance leading to a well's decreased functionality or dryness. For example, if you neglect to maintain your well and it fails, you won't be able to claim damages under your homeowners insurance policy.

If your well fails due to vandalism or accidental damage, you may be able to claim damages under your policy, but this depends on the specifics of your policy. It's essential to review your policy details to understand which perils are covered and what's excluded.

Here's a quick rundown of what's not covered:

Homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover a well going dry due to natural depletion or drought, as these are considered normal environmental conditions rather than sudden and accidental events.

Standard policies don't cover wear and tear or poor maintenance leading to a well's decreased functionality or dryness.

If your well runs dry simply because of the water table dropping or inadequate upkeep, you would typically be responsible for any necessary repairs or drilling of a new well.

Homeowners need to understand that their insurance policy may not cover all aspects of well failure, so it's essential to review your policy carefully and consider additional coverage options if needed.

Hot, dry weather over a long period of time is a common cause of low water levels in wells, especially during the summer months or when the state has declared a drought.

Shallow wells, like dug wells or driven wells, are at a higher risk of running dry due to their shallowness.

These types of wells are more common in older homes or areas with limited drilling depth, such as near the coastline.

If you live in an area prone to drought or have a shallow well, it's essential to monitor your water level closely.

Contacting the Office of Water Resources at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) can provide valuable information and guidance on private well water levels.

Understanding the loss settlement is crucial for homeowners navigating insurance claims. It involves understanding whether your policy covers actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV), which determines how much you will receive to repair or replace your well system.

Knowing what your policy covers is key to making informed decisions when filing a claim for well failure. Meeting with an adjuster helps in comprehending the loss settlement process.

Being aware of these details can help you avoid surprises and make the most of your insurance coverage.

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