Water damage - who pays what?
Water damage to the shower, toilet or washing machine can quickly spread beyond the bathroom. Once the initial countermeasures have been taken, the question soon arises: who pays for the repair costs?
Causes of water damage
Water damage to the shower can have many different causes. For example, water can penetrate the masonry through leaking joints, especially defective silicone joints. Leaking fittings and pipework are also common causes. A leaking siphon is also a frequent source of damage. If it is not replaced properly after cleaning, the seal can break, allowing water to leak into the shower.
- Leaking joints
- Leaking fittings
- Broken pipes
- Leaking siphon
Prevent water damage and recognise it early
Adequate ventilation after showering can protect the bathroom from water damage. This can prevent moist air from penetrating the masonry. A drop in water pressure when showering can be a sign of leaking pipes. If you want to be absolutely sure, install a water detector that indicates excessive moisture in the walls.
Who pays for the damage?
In the event of water damage, various insurances are involved. It depends on which areas have been damaged.
Household contents insurance covers
Household contents insurance covers leakage damage, burst pipes and accidents involving washing machines. It is important here that the water damage was not caused by your own carelessness. Damage such as moisture from windows left open or inadequate ventilation is not covered by household contents insurance.
Liability insurance covers
If the water damage affectsmore than just your own house or flat, only liability insurance will cover the damage. If, for example, water penetrates through the ceiling into the flat of the neighbour below, your own liability insurance must pay for the damage caused.
Buildings insurance takes over
As a rule, household contents insurance only covers damage to furnishings. Repairs that are due to the flat itself or the house after the water damage are usually covered by the owner's building insurance.
Who do I need to contact in the event of water damage?
Depending on whether you live in a rented flat or own your own home, different organisations need to be contacted.
In the event of water damage in a rented flat
In addition to household contents and liability insurance, the landlord should also be notified of the damage immediately if you live in a rented flat. Even if only your own flat is affected by the damage. If the landlord is not notified of the water damage, he can also hold the tenant responsible for consequential damage such as mould, even if the water damage was not caused by his own fault.
In the event of water damage in the house
If there is water damage in your own home, you must contact your household contents insurance for all damage to the furnishings. The building insurance company must be consulted for damage to the fabric of the building . It may also be worth consulting an expert who can assess and quantify the water damage caused.