Rhode Island Water Damage Insurance FAQ

Triple-I lists accidental discharge or overflow of water from plumbing, heating, air-conditioning or sprinkler systems and household appliances among perils covered by standard homeowners forms. Damage from lack of maintenance isn’t covered. The specific policy wording controls.

Triple-I says flood damage is excluded under standard homeowners and renters policies. Flood insurance is available separately from the National Flood Insurance Program and some private insurers.

FloodSmart says NFIP coverage generally takes effect 30 days after purchase. Exceptions include policies bought when making, increasing, extending or renewing a mortgage.

Triple-I says sewer backups aren’t covered by a typical homeowners policy or by flood insurance, and that coverage can be bought as an endorsement, usually at nominal cost.

Triple-I says homeowners policies don’t cover damage from lack of maintenance, including mold. Some policies cover mold that results from a covered water event, sometimes with a limit; the policy wording controls.

According to Triple-I, Rhode Island insurers may apply a hurricane deductible of no more than 5% of a home’s insured value, and windstorm deductibles may not be used.

The sample HO-3 homeowners policy published by Triple-I excludes loss from neglect, defined as an insured’s failure to use all reasonable means to save and preserve property at and after a loss.

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation’s Insurance Division regulates insurers licensed in the state and handles consumer questions and complaints.

A landlord’s policy generally covers the building. Triple-I notes that renters policies, like homeowners policies, exclude flood, and that flood coverage is available to renters separately.

No. Calling is free. RI Water Damage Help is a referral service, not a restoration company or insurer, and may be paid a referral fee by the company your call connects with.