The quick version
- Compare the likely cost to your deductible. If the job is close to or under the deductible, a claim may not pay much.
- Check the cause. Sudden, accidental leaks are usually covered; slow leaks, maintenance issues, and surface flooding often aren’t.
- Don’t wait to start drying. Most policies expect you to prevent further damage — mitigation can start before you decide.
- Document first — photos, the failed part, and the date you found it.
This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy and your agent are the final word.
Step 1 — Get a real number
A free written estimate tells you what the job is likely to cost before you decide. Vault gives free written estimates for water damage, sewage, and sewer line work. Typical ranges for common jobs are in water damage restoration cost.
Step 2 — Compare to your deductible
| Situation | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Estimated cost well under your deductible | Usually paid out of pocket |
| Cost near your deductible | Weigh the small payout against having a claim on file |
| Cost well over your deductible | A claim usually makes sense if the cause is covered |
Step 3 — Is the cause covered?
Usually covered
- Burst or frozen pipes (when the home was reasonably heated)
- Sudden appliance failures — water heater, washer hose, dishwasher, ice-maker line
- Toilet or tub overflows
- Storm-driven roof leaks
Often excluded or limited
- Slow leaks over weeks or months
- Surface flooding and groundwater — needs flood insurance. See flood insurance guide.
- Sewer and sump backups — often needs a water backup endorsement
- Mold — often limited or capped. See is mold covered?
Step 4 — Protect the claim either way
- Stop the water and start drying — burst pipe steps.
- Photograph everything before and during cleanup.
- Keep the failed part (hose, valve, fitting).
- Keep daily moisture records — Vault records these on every job.
- Report promptly if you do file — see the claim timeline.
If you don’t file
Vault offers financing through Wisetack — $500 to $25,000 over 3 to 24 months with a soft credit check, subject to approval — for uninsured jobs, deductibles, or work your policy doesn’t cover. See financing.
Want a number before you decide?
Call (385) 250-2825 for a free written estimate.
How we work with insurance · Questions to ask your adjuster · Water damage vs flood
More guides: Your deductible, explained · ACV vs replacement cost
Need help in Provo? See water damage restoration in Provo, with a free written estimate. Call (385) 250-2825.
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