Information Homeowners Should Know

UNDERSTAND WATER BACKUP  COVERAGE

Coverage for your sump pump is different than flood insurance so it does not cover damage due to a flood. This coverage is called backup of sewer and sump pump overflow endorsement. This coverage protects you from water or waterborne material that overflows from a sump, even if the backup of water is due to the mechanical breakdown of the sump pump. Coverage includes damage to covered property but excludes the sump pump and any related equipment that has broken down. Most people are surprised to learn that a standard home policy does not provide coverage for water damage that is the result of a sump pump overflowing or water backing up from a sewer system. In order for these losses to be covered, you need to purchase separate a separate endorsement. There are several versions of this coverage, based on where you live.

When choosing your coverage, consider all of the items in your basement from appliances, electronics and furniture to the flooring and carpeting beneath them. If you have a finished basement you want to make sure you have accurate coverage to restore your living space to pre loss conditions. Be sure to include expenses for mitigation costs in the total as well.

The Chicagoland area often falls victim to heavy rains that cause over worked sump pumps to give out. Damages stemming from sump pump over flow can be devastating and costly. Mitigation services to clean up water damage can cost thousands of dollars. If you do not have coverage for your sump pump then you will be expected to pay for these services out of pocket. Because the water that entered the home is considered a category 2 water loss it will be classified as grey water. This refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants that causes discomfort or sickness when exposed or even consumed. A mitigation specialist is needed to properly treat this water damage to make sure your home is returned to a safe environment and to prevent mold from forming. Most people are not aware that a self clean up can lead to further damages since mold can form as soon as 24 - 48 hours. Water damage is progressive and items that could be restored within the first 48 hours of the water damage may not be restored if emergency response is delayed. Although you might be tempted to use a shop vacuum or call a company that only has equipment to dry carpet, you should consider that water will wick up walls and travel under base molding and sill plates. It will penetrate through floor coverings into sub-floors, even causing water damage in rooms below. In addition, if humidity inside the structure is not controlled, items that were not damaged from the original water damage could be damaged as a result of absorbing moisture from the air. Structures that are not dried out quickly and properly can become a food source for mold growth. Certified water restoration professionals can prevent this from happening if contacted in a timely manner.