Several times a year, monumental rains flood basements causing significant water damage. Unsuspecting consumers often assume coverage after such an event, only to discover that they are saddled with the financial burden of flood damage restoration. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage caused by system failures within the home, but virtually every homeowner’s insurance policy has stated exclusions concerning surface water runoff, also known as ground water.
Groundwater is defined as water that runs over the ground surface until it either evaporates, is absorbed by the land, or reaches natural channels. Flooding occurs when subsurface water emerges 
from the ground due to heavy rainfall or high river levels forcing water through near-surface deposits. Flood damage often requires considerable expense to correct with insurance coverage being dependent upon the type of policy purchased, the cause of damage and whether gradual or sudden. Chronic or gradual water damage issues will typically not be covered regardless of the cause. Property owners are expected to fix issues to their property in a timely manner. Neglectful homeowners that suffer water damage can find it challenging to collect on an insurance claim.
False Denials Based on Semantics
Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover damage from water entering at or below the surface of the ground. Examples include water that seeps through your foundation from heavy rains, water from ground surface flooding and sewer water that backs up into your home. It should be noted that most standard homeowner’s policies do, in fact, cover sewage overflows caused by a blockage within plumbing drainage systems. Policy holders should acquaint themselves with the difference and be able to identify the actual cause, using professionals independent of their insurance company and beholden to them. False denials based on semantics are routinely handed out by unscrupulous insurance carriers, who do not care to correct policyholder language when incorrectly presented with the term ‘backup’ in place of ‘clog and overflow’.
Flood Damage & Insurance
Water damage and flood damage are independently characterized by insurance documents, with standard policies excluding damages caused by flooding. Limited coverage for some types of ground water damage can be purchased as an addendum, but comprehensive flood insurance must be purchased as a separate policy. Water backup and sump pump failure coverage is an optional endorsement offering limited groundwater coverage in the event of the devices failure to contain water intrusion. Specific flood damage insurance, however, is strongly recommended for homes that are built on a floodplain. Furthermore, flood insurance is commonly mandated by the lender for homes encumbered by a mortgage that are situated in a flood zone.
Prompt, Professional Service
Property Recovery 911 offers professional water mitigation and flood restoration no matter the source or scope of the water intrusion. We are prepared and on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to dispatch a quick response team who can be on your location within 1 hour protecting your interests. Contact us at (267) 808-7200 to prevent or alleviate the devastating effects of water damage and to safely dry, deodorize and disinfect the affected areas.