It depends on what the issue is. There’s no sense in contacting your insurer if there hasn’t been an actual property loss. That is, if a burst pipe, leak, backup, or some other type of plumbing system malfunction hasn’t caused any damage to your property, there’s nothing to discuss with the insurance company since they only pay for existing covered losses — not losses that may occur.
In fact, contacting the insurance company about a plumbing issue that hasn’t yet caused damage can put you in a tough position if that same issue causes a covered loss in the future.
An insurance company can deny coverage for losses that the homeowner expected or had foreknowledge of. You can’t claim that you didn’t know about a problem that results in a covered loss after you alert the insurance company to your concerns.
For concerns about an aging plumbing system, you may want to hire a plumber for a pipe inspection and consultation. Pipe replacement isn’t likely to be covered by insurance, but depending on piping age and condition, failure could be imminent and replacement necessary.
In the event of a plumbing breakage that results in water damage, first call a plumber to make repairs, then contact your insurance company about filing a claim. You have a duty to mitigate property damage and prevent further losses, and as long as you call the insurer soon after the accident occurs, you’re acting in accordance with the policy.
Not sure what you should or shouldn’t say to your insurance company? Have questions about what your policy does and doesn’t cover? Have a denied, delayed or underpaid claim? Contact our insurance dispute attorneys for a free case review.