Causing water damage renters insurance

Phasen

Since it is the holidays our maintenence was out and we had a broken toilet. I decided I would fix toilet. Unfortunately I did not look to see where the main cutoff valve was foe the water.

In the process the line to the toilet cutoff broke and I couldn't find the main valve. I have renters insurance but this situation is not explicit in there. Maintenence got there 15 mins later.

I live in NC and have renters insurance. Am I totally screwed?

DoctorArch

While I can't give you advice on the specifics of your situation, generally insurance policies cover accidental loss and only preclude loss intentionally caused by an insured. For example, if you own your home and burn it down intentionally, the policy will not cover your house because it was an intentional loss. In contrast, if you own your home and burn it down accidentally, the policy will cover your house because it was damaged by fire.

Check your policy and give them a call. Document everything. A quick look over North Carolina attorney fee statutes seems to indicate that there are avenues for recovering attorney's fees in certain lawsuits against an insurer, so if the insurer stonewalls you could inquire with an attorney.

Phasen

Ok so far the apt complex is still out for the holiday I think I will wait and talk to them about it. Luckily nothing got damaged but I am concerned about water damage.

Thanks for the tip about the lawyer and I feel slightly relieved with the rest of the post.

Dr. Frenchenstein

renters insurance only covers your stuff, the complex should have their own insurance to cover any damage.

AspectVoid

Dr. Frenchenstein wrote: »

renters insurance only covers your stuff, the complex should have their own insurance to cover any damage.

It doesn't have to. Your lease on the apartment will dictate whether you need insurance to cover your apartment with the Complex listed as a co-insurer, or if the complex's insurance will cover it. Some complexes will give you a discount on your rent if you have insurance covering the apartment with their name listed as a co-insurer.

Phasen

At this place renters insurance is required, and I do not think they are listed as co-insurers. Either way the complex is picking up some of the equipment for drying up the carpets so ill probably get an answer to some of this today.

Phasen

Freak-out mode has subsided and feeling dumb is overtaking it in spades.

bowen

Don't worry about it. Keep an eye out for things like mold though, water damage to carpet is pretty hard to fix. A couple of dehumidifiers and a lot of towels will help out, but won't get all the moisture and that'll rest against the subfloor. So, keep your eyes peeled and make a note for yourself when you move out so you don't get dinged for the water damage.

This is advice to everyone who's renting:

Keep a record of every maintenance item and when you called and how long it took them to get there. Keep it with your lease. This way when you move out you can go "well you didn't take care of the water damage related to the toilet leak, that weak subfloor and carpet patch aren't my problem."

Veevee

Dr. Frenchenstein wrote: »

renters insurance only covers your stuff, the complex should have their own insurance to cover any damage.

This is false. I specifically got renters insurance that covers the building and every tenant's personal belongings in case of fire or other "large catastrophe" type events that I could possibly cause and be at fault for. And it was incredibly reasonable at something like $1 a month per $500k of coverage.

Yes the apartment has it's own insurance as well, but if I did something and was found at fault and didn't have renters insurance then the apartment's insurance would turn around and sue me for the damage.

bowen

I guess... don't burn paperwork in your apartment and that shouldn't be a worry and you can save $12 a month?

Aioua

Veevee wrote: »

Dr. Frenchenstein wrote: »

renters insurance only covers your stuff, the complex should have their own insurance to cover any damage.

This is false. I specifically got renters insurance that covers the building and every tenant's personal belongings in case of fire or other "large catastrophe" type events that I could possibly cause and be at fault for. And it was incredibly reasonable at something like $1 a month per $500k of coverage.

Yes the apartment has it's own insurance as well, but if I did something and was found at fault and didn't have renters insurance then the apartment's insurance would turn around and sue me for the damage.

That's more general liability insurance, which is a whole different animal.

Phasen

Called the leasing office twice and both times the person had no idea what I was talking about. Talked to USAA and they havent heard anything... I uhhh guess I get a pass on this round of stupidity.