As snow melts or heavy rains lessen, many renters and homeowners wonder: does homeowners insurance cover basement flooding? Even if your property is not situated near a large body of water, your home is still liable or prone to flooding risks. The basements of a house are usually vulnerable to flooding because they are quite low (below the ground).
Hence, as flash floods and heavy rainfalls become quite common, your home is at risk of flooding and if you do not have proper coverage, you will be responsible for the damages out of your pocket.
Unquestionably, homeownership comes with a sense of security, however, unpredictable events still occur unwelcomed. This event can be distressing and the damage can be expensive. In this article, we will be learning whether homeowners insurance is a good financial tool for basement flooding or whether it is better to consider another alternative option.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Basement Flooding?
Generally, homeowners insurance does not offer coverage for basement flooding, especially when it is caused by rising groundwater, heavy rain, or other natural events. However, policyholders might be able to get coverage and protection if the flooding was caused by malfunctioning appliances, burst pipes, or other sudden and accidental incidents.
Meanwhile, if you want proper coverage for basement flooding, it is advisable to consider buying additional flood insurance through a private insurance company that specializes in flood coverage or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This is because flood insurance typically covers damages associated with overflow of inland or tidal waters, collapse of land as a result of erosion, or mudflow.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Basement Flooding?
Numerous factors are responsible for the cause of basement flooding. Meanwhile, there are some situations when your homeowners’ insurance quote may offer coverage. Here are events when your policy might protect you financially:
- Burst Pipes
If your basement gets flooded because of a burst pipe or burst pipes because of freeing or your washing machine pipe breaks, the damages might be covered by your home insurance quote. Nonetheless, there are some conditions that you should remember:
- You need to maintain your home properly.
- You need to be residing in the home.
- Homeowners need to keep their homes at a habitable temperature.
If your insurance provider finds out that the burst pipe was due to a lack of maintenance or negligence, your claim will be denied.
- Confined Overflow
If there is a sink or bath overflow, home insurance will offer coverage to the policyholder. This is because this event is considered sudden and accidental. As long as the damage was not caused by negligence, your claim will be approved.
- Broken Appliances
If appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines malfunction, the water damage is typically covered by the home insurance company. Your policy should be responsible for the damage if the damage was not caused by improper maintenance or neglect.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Offer Coverage for Basement Flooding?
Just the same way there are events that your standard home insurance policy will cover, there are also scenarios that this same policy will not be responsible for. So, here are events when you will not get coverage for basement flooding:
- Sump Pump Backups
Generally, a standard home insurance policy does not cover sump pump overflows, drains, or sewer water backups. Meanwhile, you might want to consider purchasing or including water backup coverage endorsement to your existing insurance policy to get coverage for such events. Moreover, it is important to inquire or ask about this form of coverage during the application process because water backup endorsements are not sometimes offered.
- Natural Flooding
Flooding caused by heavy rains, runoff, hurricanes, snowmelt, or other natural causes is not covered by homeowners insurance. So, if you want to enjoy flood coverage, it is a better idea to purchase a separate flood insurance endorsement or policy for your property. Even though you do not reside in a flood-prone area, getting a flood insurance policy is still worthwhile.
- Seepage Problems
Homeowners might experience seepage issues or problems if they build their homes on top of the ground with high water tables or if a home has a cracked foundation. For those who do not know, water seeping is an event when water enters your basement or home because of terrible landscape drainage or a crack in your foundation. These situations are not usually covered by home insurance because it is considered as a maintenance issue.
How To Prevent Flooding in Basement
Structural improvements, maintenance, and readiness are usually combined to prevent flooding in your basement. Here are some helpful strategies to implement:
- Proper maintenance.
- Routine inspection.
- Take precautionary measures.
- Evaluate flood risk.
- Lawn maintenance.
- Installing backwater valve.
- Fixing and cleaning out clogged gutters.
- Proper waterproofing and sealing.
- Sump pump installation.
- Purchase flood insurance.
- Regular inspection and maintenance of plumbing fixtures.
By using these preventive tips, you can significantly mitigate the risk of having your basement flooded and protect your home from damage.
FAQs
How do I know if my home is located in a flood zone?
This is how to find out if your home is located in a flood-prone zone. Enter your home address into the FEMA flood map search tool. Your insurance provider or lender will advise you to purchase a flood insurance quote.
Will my home insurance premium increase after a flood claim?
Yes, as a policyholder. If you file a claim with your insurance provider for basement flooding and it gets approved, you should expect your insurance premium rates to increase as well.
