Rising Water

Are you covered for a flood?

With the recent floods in the midwest you might be wondering "What kind of coverage you would I need in order to be protected in the event of catastrophic weather and would flooding be covered by my homeowner policy?"

Unhappily the answer is an unequivocal NO!

Flood is specifically excluded under all types of homeowner policies for sale in the United States, and you therefore you would need to purchase it in addition to your regular policy.

The actual wording of the exclusion is:

1) Flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of a body of water, or spray from any of these, whether or not driven by the wind;

2) Water which backs up through sewers or drains or which overflows from a sump except as provided in Additional Coverage's Limited Water Damage;

3) Water below the surface of the ground, including water which exerts pressure on or seeps or leaks through a building, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool or other structure.

There are appliances in most homes that require the presence of water in order to do their job, such as washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers etc. even the plumbing pipes behind the walls. If such appliances were to malfunction, or pipes spring a leak, this “friendly water” as it is called can sometimes cause damage within your home.

In this event there usually is coverage under your homeowner policy for the water damage but not to repair the malfunctioning appliance or the leak in the pipes. However the damage done by the water that escaped its normal confines is covered.

If you believe you are in danger from the peril of flood, you can certainly call us. Flood coverage is available through a governmental agency, The National Flood Insurance Program, which we can access to provide this coverage.

Feel free to call or e-mail our agency if you would like more information on this subject or click on the links below.

(269) 381-9442  

info@millerschuring.com

For more information from FEMA (Federal Emergecny Management Agency) click here

The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) can help determine your flood risk. For more information click here