We offer and suggest coverages through renewal reviews as well as when our clients call into our office.  We thought we would go over two important coverages that have come into play recently with the rain and snow melt that we experienced recently.  Many people had water damage in their basements and found out that their home policy did not provide any coverage.  We wanted to take the time to explain about flood insurance and sewer and drain back up coverage and let you know how these coverages could help you out in the future. 

Flood Insurance- A flood involves rising waters, such as those caused by rain, melting show, or overflow of a river.  It can cause enourmous damage.  However, it is NOT covered by homeowners insurance policies.  The primary way to insure your home against damage against flood is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Flood insurance covers direct physical loss caused by "flood".  In simple terms, a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry.  Here's the official definition used by the National Flood Insurance Program:

A flood is "A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:

- Overflow of inland or tidal waters

-Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source:

- Mudflow; or

- Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above."

The cost of flood insurance depends on where your home is located and how much coverage you need on your home and contents. If interested in a flood quote please contact us.

  

Sewer and drain backup- Sewer and drain backup involves water that causes damage to your house or property as a result of a sewer or drain that backs up.  Unlike flood insurance, the coverage for this type of loss can be purchased as an endorsement to your homeowners policy. Sewer and drain backup coverage pays for direct loss caused by water or sewage which backs up through sewers or drains, or which enters into and overflows from a sump pump, sump pump well or any other system designed to remove subsurface water which is drained from the foundation area.  If the insured has sewer and drain coverage and water enters through the basement through the sump opening or drain BUT water also enters the basement through foundation walls, windows, or door openings, then there is NO COVERAGE for the water damage.  The water has to soley enter through the sump opening or drain for there to be coverage.  Sewer and drain coverage can be added to your home policy.  Contact us to add to your policy.