IN-THE-KNOW

More RAIN?!? Is my home protected?

Basement water damage is one of the most common home insurance problems we see in Michigan. Many homeowners do not realize water backup or sump overflow coverage is optional until after a claim happens.

Most base home insurance policies do not automatically cover water that backs up through a drain or overflows from a sump pump. That protection is usually added through a water backup or sump overflow endorsement.

The endorsement matters, but the coverage limit matters too.

A finished basement can burn through a small limit fast between mitigation crews, drying equipment, drywall, flooring, trim, and damaged mechanicals.

One recent example involved an Allen Park homeowner with a finished basement. Heavy rain caused the sump pump to fail.

Mitigation costs were about $4,800.

Drywall and flooring repairs added another $5,200.

A damaged furnace and water heater added roughly $3,500 more.

Total damage reached about $13,500.

Their policy did not include water backup coverage, so insurance paid $0.

The endorsement would have cost about $8 per month.

Check your declarations page for:

• Water Backup

• Sump Overflow

• Coverage limits

Finished basements, flooring, furnaces, water heaters, and stored belongings all affect how much coverage makes sense.

Not sure what your policy includes? Ask your agent to review your declarations page and point out the water backup or sump overflow coverage section. Policy language and carrier rules vary, so it is worth checking before the next heavy rain.

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YOUR
FAQ
HUB!

More RAIN?!? Is my home protected?

Tamara Champagne

May 20

1 min read

Basement water damage is one of the most common home insurance problems we see in Michigan. Many homeowners do not realize water backup or sump overflow coverage is optional until after a claim happens.

Most base home insurance policies do not automatically cover water that backs up through a drain or overflows from a sump pump. That protection is usually added through a water backup or sump overflow endorsement.

The endorsement matters, but the coverage limit matters too.

A finished basement can burn through a small limit fast between mitigation crews, drying equipment, drywall, flooring, trim, and damaged mechanicals.

One recent example involved an Allen Park homeowner with a finished basement. Heavy rain caused the sump pump to fail.

Mitigation costs were about $4,800.

Drywall and flooring repairs added another $5,200.

A damaged furnace and water heater added roughly $3,500 more.

Total damage reached about $13,500.

Their policy did not include water backup coverage, so insurance paid $0.

The endorsement would have cost about $8 per month.

Check your declarations page for:

• Water Backup

• Sump Overflow

• Coverage limits

Finished basements, flooring, furnaces, water heaters, and stored belongings all affect how much coverage makes sense.

Not sure what your policy includes? Ask your agent to review your declarations page and point out the water backup or sump overflow coverage section. Policy language and carrier rules vary, so it is worth checking before the next heavy rain.

Comments

IN-THE-KNOW

More RAIN?!? Is my home protected?

Basement water damage is one of the most common home insurance problems we see in Michigan. Many homeowners do not realize water backup or sump overflow coverage is optional until after a claim happens.

Most base home insurance policies do not automatically cover water that backs up through a drain or overflows from a sump pump. That protection is usually added through a water backup or sump overflow endorsement.

The endorsement matters, but the coverage limit matters too.

A finished basement can burn through a small limit fast between mitigation crews, drying equipment, drywall, flooring, trim, and damaged mechanicals.

One recent example involved an Allen Park homeowner with a finished basement. Heavy rain caused the sump pump to fail.

Mitigation costs were about $4,800.

Drywall and flooring repairs added another $5,200.

A damaged furnace and water heater added roughly $3,500 more.

Total damage reached about $13,500.

Their policy did not include water backup coverage, so insurance paid $0.

The endorsement would have cost about $8 per month.

Check your declarations page for:

• Water Backup

• Sump Overflow

• Coverage limits

Finished basements, flooring, furnaces, water heaters, and stored belongings all affect how much coverage makes sense.

Not sure what your policy includes? Ask your agent to review your declarations page and point out the water backup or sump overflow coverage section. Policy language and carrier rules vary, so it is worth checking before the next heavy rain.

Cancellations, Nonrenewals, and Correction Notices: What They Mean and How to Respond

A letter from your homeowners insurance company can feel like a punch in the gut. You’ve paid your premiums and cared...

Inherited or Vacant Home? Make Sure the Insurance Matches the Occupancy

After a loved one passes or when you move out before selling, it’s common to keep the utilities on, mow the lawn, and...

Force-Placed Insurance: Why Your Mortgage Payment Spiked and What To Do Now

You open your mortgage statement and the payment is higher. Buried in the details: “Insurance added by lender.” You...

When Your Barn or Shed Triggers a Homeowners Nonrenewal

You’ve cared for your home for years, but the nonrenewal letter on your kitchen table points to something behind the...

YOUR FAQ HUB!

Basement water damage is one of the most common home insurance problems we see in Michigan. Many homeowners do not realize water backup or sump overflow coverage is optional until after a claim happens.

Most base home insurance policies do not automatically cover water that backs up through a drain or overflows from a sump pump. That protection is usually added through a water backup or sump overflow endorsement.

The endorsement matters, but the coverage limit matters too.

A finished basement can burn through a small limit fast between mitigation crews, drying equipment, drywall, flooring, trim, and damaged mechanicals.

One recent example involved an Allen Park homeowner with a finished basement. Heavy rain caused the sump pump to fail.

Mitigation costs were about $4,800.

Drywall and flooring repairs added another $5,200.

A damaged furnace and water heater added roughly $3,500 more.

Total damage reached about $13,500.

Their policy did not include water backup coverage, so insurance paid $0.

The endorsement would have cost about $8 per month.

Check your declarations page for:

• Water Backup

• Sump Overflow

• Coverage limits

Finished basements, flooring, furnaces, water heaters, and stored belongings all affect how much coverage makes sense.

Not sure what your policy includes? Ask your agent to review your declarations page and point out the water backup or sump overflow coverage section. Policy language and carrier rules vary, so it is worth checking before the next heavy rain.

Comments

YOUR
FAQ
HUB!