What You Need to Know About Flood Insurance

Water is the most frequent cause of home damage, and a growing concern for many. Bursting pipes, appliance failure, clogged drains, sewer back-ups, and heavy rain, add up to valid concerns for homeowners and tenants.

Most standard policies include water damage coverage which will offer repair to your home for events such as burst pipes, overflowed bathtubs or sinks, rupture of hot water tanks, or entry of water through an opening caused by wind. Limitations exist if you leave your home unattended in the heating season, and policy wordings expand on other possible exclusions.

The following coverages are valuable policy add-ons are not a standard coverage inclusion:

Sewer Backup

Aging and overworked infrastructure often fails during severe rainstorms, which is why it's so important to carry the right insurance coverage. Sewer Backup Insurance offers coverage for repair when sewer or septic water enters a home through a drain system. Even if you are on a private septic with an unfinished basement, you should consider sewer backup insurance - bathtubs or toilets can back up easily and cause extensive damage. Sewer Backups are one of our most frequently reported claims.

Overland Water

Overland Water Insurance is still a relatively new coverage throughout the insurance industry. Traditionally, flooding was not covered by home insurance. As weather severity intensified, Insurers began launching Overland Water Insurance. This insurance provides financial assistance to cover repair for damage caused by the sudden rising of fresh water (ie: flash flooding) and heavy rainfall.

Ground Water

Ground Water coverage protects against damage caused by ground water that enters your home through basement walls or floors. Some companies include this with Overland Water, while others list it separately.

Eligibility, availability, and coverage particulars for water insurance vary by company - this is why reviewing your policy with your Broker is so important.  Talk to us today about Sewer Backup, Overland Water, and Ground Water insurance - important coverage that all homeowners and tenants should have.

What to do if you've experienced flooding :

Localized flooding can create a high volume of claims in a very short period of time. If you have experienced flooding, it is important to take steps for mitigation:

• Put safety first - if there is an electric hazard, contact an electrician to assist in shutting off power
• Use shop vacuums, sump pumps, fans, and dehumidifiers, to remove as much water as possible
• Move salvageable items to dry ground and discard items that have irreparable damage - make a list for your insurance claim, if applicable
• Document the damage with photos and lists of damaged items
• Clean the area with bleach and warm water if you see mold. Third-party contractors are trained in cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing this type of damage. If needed, give them a call.