Has someone ever called you and said “My house flooded!”? It happens to us all the time. In some cases our client has experienced flooding from an external source, but unless they have purchased a separate Flood Insurance policy, water damage may not be covered. Flooding from an external source, whether it’s due to a river, creek or stream leaving its banks, a stopped up storm sewer on the street, a broken fire hydrant or an insufficient gutter and foundation drainage system is excluded from virtually all homeowner’s, renter’s and landlord dwelling policies. Remember, damage caused by rising water, is only covered by a separate flood policy. Also, ask us about the difference between a Standard policy and a Preferred Risk policy.
Sometimes our client has experienced “sewage backup” due to a clog within the limits of the home’s plumbing system or due to a problem in the public sewer system at the street. In this case, we hope our client followed our advice to purchase “sewage backup” coverage as an endorsement to their homeowner’s, renter’s or landlord policy.
Usually we discover that our clients have experienced what insurance companies call simple “water damage” due to a failed fresh water pipe or failed appliance (washing machine or dishwasher). Although the repair of faulty appliances or old plumbing most likely will not be covered, the damage caused by this loss would be covered by their homeowner’s policy, but subject to the policy deductible.
Call, click or stop by and let us help you review what perils (specific risks or causes of loss covered by an insurance policy, such as fire, windstorm, flood, or theft) are covered by your current policies and what changes or additions would be prudent for you and your home.