While we received reports of fallen trees, wind damage and roof damage, the most significant damages occurred because of flooding, especially basement flooding. Many homeowners found their sump pumps not being able to keep up or not working adequately to keep the water out.

Unfortunately, many homeowners insurance policies exclude water damages from backed up sewers or drains and sump pumps overflows. As flood cleanup and restoration costs are usually significant, paying out of pocket is not a great way to start the summer.

There are two main things all homeowners should consider to proactively minimize the devastating effects of a flood and to avoid potential financial ruin:

1. Carrying the right type of insurance

Even if your home is not situated in a flood prone area, torrential rain could easily flood your home and basement. It is therefore imperative to understand your policy and add coverage from water damage, if it’s presently excluded.  You have to understand, however, that water damage coverage is not flood insurance. If you live in areas prone to flooding from bodies of water, you may also consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.  Contact your insurance agent for more information.

2. Having the right equipment to deal with flood waters

As basements are usually kept dry by a sump pump system, proper maintenance and regular check ups are really important (contact your plumber!).  If your sump pump is not gravity-driven, it requires electricity to run.  As power outages are common during storms, when you need your pump sump working, make sure you have back up power for it (generator, batteries) in the event of an outage.  Even if your basement is properly outfitted with the right equipment to keep storm waters out, it is still a good idea not to store any valuables where they can get damaged.

We wish everyone going through difficult times because of recent flooding the best of luck!  Also, remember, as the premier public adjuster company in Michigan, we are here to answer any questions you might have about water damage insurance claims and to provide property loss consulting for homeowners and businesses throughout Michigan.

Finally, Happy Memorial Day form everyone at Michigan Fire Claims.

While they result in the same kind of damage – destroyed floors, moldy walls and furniture, toxic mildew – most homeowners will often, mistakenly, call them both flood damage. It may not be a problem if they actually carry flood insurance. But usually, especially if the property is not situated in a flood area, they do not. So when they contacted their respective insurance companies to report the damages, the person at the other end, informed them that, since their policy does not include flood coverage, the insurance company will not pay for water damages.

That shouldn’t be the end of it. It wasn’t for the homeowners our public adjusters worked with. In over a dozen such cases, we properly documented the water damage, submitted them as water overflow claims, and were able to get settlements to cover the cost of repairs and lost possessions.

At Michigan Fire Claims, happy endings is what we strive for everyday!

Water damage, especially if not promptly attended to, is very costly to repair. So here are some things to be aware of, to avoid flooding from broken pipes:
- if water doesn’t turn on, your pipes could be frozen; turn off the main valve and call your plumber immediately.
- if you have outdoor pipes, cover them with insulation; inside, make sure all areas of your home are kept warm; open cabinet doors to let warm air in.
- if you suspect a frozen pipe, until things start to thaw, it may be difficult to determine exactly where the blockage is. As they start to thaw, they may rupture – make sure you know how to turn off the water to avoid potential catastrophe.
- as leaks can turn into rivers in a heartbeat, make sure you do not leave your property unattended if you suspect a frozen pipe
- re-check your property insurance policy. While most cover water damage from broken pipes, you will need to prove that you properly drained exterior plumbing lines, and maintained adequate temperature inside.

Have questions? Need help? We’d love to hear from you!