Water damage by the numbers
Water damage is one of the most common causes of homeowners losses, causing billions of dollars of damage to homes each year. Make sure you’re protected with the right homeowners insurance policy and a water backup endorsement.
And remember: in the event of water damage, contact the Hanover claims team for referral to a service contractor who can begin water cleanup and drying work.
See your water damage prevention options
The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
LC 2025-245
Related resources
Water damage by the numbers
Water damage is one of the most common causes of homeowners losses, causing billions of dollars of damage to homes each year. Make sure you’re protected with the right homeowners insurance policy and a water backup endorsement.
And remember: in the event of water damage, contact the Hanover claims team for referral to a service contractor who can begin water cleanup and drying work.
See your water damage prevention options
The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
LC 2025-245
Related resources
Water damage by the numbers
Water damage is one of the most common causes of homeowners losses, causing billions of dollars of damage to homes each year. Make sure you’re protected with the right homeowners insurance policy and a water backup endorsement.
And remember: in the event of water damage, contact the Hanover claims team for referral to a service contractor who can begin water cleanup and drying work.
See your water damage prevention options
The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
LC 2025-245
- Infographic transcript
Water damage by the numbers
Straight for the wallet
- $10,849 average water damage and freezing claim
- $72,162 cost of 12" of water damage in a 2,500-square-foot home
- 2nd highest homeowner's claim between 2014 and 2018
- 1 in 50 insured homes has a water-related property damage claim each year
Average repair costs for water damage
- $3,500 Burst pipes
- $7,000 Sink-related water damage
- $2,000-$10,000 Malfunctioning toilets
- $4,000-$7,500 Basement floor (1,000 sq. ft.)
- $6,000+ Leaking washing machines
Older houses, more problems
- Homes more than 20 years old are 37% more likely to have water damage involving a shower
- Homes more than 30 years old are 3 times as likely to have a plumbing supply or drainage problem
- 75% of all water heaters fail before they are 12 years old
Signs you may have a potential problem
- Sudden increase in utility bills
- Damp or musty odors
- Stains on the walls and ceilings
- Signs of mold or mildew growth
- Peeling or bubbling paint
Tips to prevent water damage
- Monitor utility bills to detect an increase in water usage
- Keep gutters clean, and use downspout extenders to make sure they drain away from your home
- Repair leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear
- Know where the main water valve is located and how to turn the water off
- Shut off the water before traveling
Coverages that can help protect you
- Homeowner's insurance
- Water backup coverage
- Service line coverage
- Scheduled personal property
Related resources
Water damage by the numbers
Water damage is one of the most common causes of homeowners losses, causing billions of dollars of damage to homes each year. Make sure you’re protected with the right homeowners insurance policy and a water backup endorsement.
And remember: in the event of water damage, contact the Hanover claims team for referral to a service contractor who can begin water cleanup and drying work.
See your water damage prevention options
The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
LC 2025-245