Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Well Going Dry?

Homeowners insurance may cover damage to your well, but only if the damage results from a covered peril like fire, storm or vandalism. Your well won't be covered if it dries up due to natural causes like drought, falling water tables or lack of maintenance.

Your well's location determines which coverage applies. Wells directly connected to your home fall under dwelling coverage, while detached wells located elsewhere on your property fall under other structures coverage.

Some insurers offer add-on coverage for broader well protection beyond standard policies. This additional coverage can provide more comprehensive protection for your water supply system.

Homeowners insurance may cover a well that goes dry, but only if the cause is a covered peril. Covered perils are sudden, accidental events explicitly listed in your policy.

For example:

• If lightning strikes your well pump and causes the well to run dry, repair costs may be covered.
• If a tree falls during a storm and breaks the well structure or equipment, your insurer may pay for replacement or repair.

Check your policy to confirm which perils are included. Common covered events include fire, storms, vandalism and certain types of accidental impact.

Insurance doesn't cover wells that go dry due to gradual or environmental causes. These include:

• Drought or falling water tables
• Wear and tear from age
• Poor or infrequent maintenance

Insurance companies view these causes as preventable or part of normal deterioration. You'll be responsible for all repair or replacement costs, including drilling a new well, if your well runs dry for these reasons.

Preventing your well from running dry can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure a reliable water supply year-round. Homeowners insurance rarely covers wells that dry up due to drought or neglect, so taking preventive steps can reduce your risk in areas with fluctuating water tables or frequent dry spells.

Simple actions like scheduling regular maintenance, conserving water and monitoring local groundwater levels can protect your well and your budget.

Homeowners insurance may cover a well going dry, but only if it's caused by a covered peril like fire or storm. Coverage depends on the well's location, falling under either dwelling or other structures coverage.

Review your policy details and consider additional protection if your well is essential to your home's water supply. This preparation helps you avoid surprises when you need coverage most.

Homeowners with private wells often have questions about when coverage applies and what steps they can take to protect their water supply. Below are answers to common concerns about insurance and dry wells.

MoneyGeek evaluated homeowners insurance carriers using premium data sourced from Quadrant Information Services and insights based on industry standards. We reviewed standard policy terms and common exclusions across multiple providers to assess how insurers might handle coverage for wells and related structures.

Our sample quotes were based on a homeowner profile with a good credit score, a wood-frame home built in 2000 with a composite shingle roof and typical coverage limits. This profile included $250,000 in dwelling protection and a $1,000 deductible.

We also reviewed higher-limit policies to understand options for homes with more complex or systems like private wells.