Is Basement Flooding Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

​There are different causes and subsequent insurance policies when it comes to basement floodings. Looking at those causes will determine what policy is effective to cover up the damages.

Burst Pipes
This occurs when pipes burst during a freeze, resulting in damage, and there is a probability that the policy covers it. If broken pipes from the sprinkler system were damaged, they should also be included in the policy. However, there is something to keep in mind. 

You have to be living in and maintaining the house's temperature so that it will be eligible for coverage. There will be checkups and you can be denied if the insurer discovers that pipes are not maintained.

Broken Appliance 
During basement floodings, the policy will not cover appliances damaged by the flood because the owner didn't maintain them well.

Localized Overflow
Structures that overflow because of lack of maintenance are also not covered. For example, if the tub habitually overflows because of blockage and you haven't restored it right away, it will not be included in the payout.

Flood insurance is important in many ways. For example, if you live in a flood zone with a repeated problem like flooding, getting insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can cover your expenses. 

Sump Pump Backups
Standard HO-3 policies don't cover the flooding caused by a sump pump that doesn't work right. Consider adding an endorsement to your insurance policy that will cover this kind of thing if you have a sump pump in your basement. 

Most home insurance companies charge extra for this kind of coverage, but it's likely to pay for itself after just one claim, so it's worth it.

Sewer Backup
External Sewer backups will not be covered. However, if your basement has a backup inside, it is stated in some policies that they will cover it.  

Seepage Issues
It will not be insured if you build your home on a high water table or have a cracked foundation. However, they may consider the maintenance yet refuse to pay the claim in specific situations.

Maintenance Issues
Your insurance company will examine everything, and if they find out that the cause of the flooding is poor maintenance, you have to cover the costs.

Conclusion
Checking your property every once in a while will help you keep it in good condition. You should consider maintaining your house and appliances for you to be covered by insurance when the flood comes. 

At Family Auto Insurance Agency, we do our best to make sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (313) 285-9042 or Click Here to request a free quote. The coverage discussed in this article is not guaranteed. Please call our agents, we are happy to help you learn more about your plan and make sure you have the coverage you need.