Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Sump Pump Failure? One of the best ways to prevent water damage is using sump pumps and many homeowners rely on them to keep the status of their homes and reduce the risk of water damage. What’s more, this is quite common in low-lying areas or flood-prone areas.
Meanwhile, there are times when this crucial system fails and trust me the consequences can be quite substantial and expensive.
This makes people wonder: will homeowners insurance cover sump pump failure? Understanding this can help you protect your home and property from water-related threats.
I know that water damage can be devastating but by the end of this article, you will know when and when not you will be getting coverage. With that being said, let us dive into it.
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Sump Pump Failure?
Yes, your homeowners insurance might cover sump pump failure if it as a result of sudden and accidental water damage caused by covered events. For instance, mechanical failures or power outages. The coverage usually includes the replacement or repair cost of the affected part of your home or personal belongings.
However, not all events or incidents are covered by homeowners insurance when it comes to sump pump failure. In other words, flood-related issues or lack of maintenance damage are not generally covered by this form of insurance.
This is why you need to consider additional endorsements or check your policy for certain exclusions to make sure you are getting enough coverage in case of any form of failure or further damage.
When Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Sump Pump Failure?
The cause of the failure as well as the policy affects the answer to whether or not homeowners insurance will offer coverage. Here are scenarios where you will get compensated for sump pump failure:
- Sudden and Accidental Damage
Unexpected or sudden failure or sump pump causing your home to be damaged by water may be covered by home insurance under resulting damage. Events like power outage, mechanical failure, or other unforeseen situations are also included and covered.
- Water Damage from a Burst Pipe
Even if the sump pump system is working well, a burst pipe can happen and water can make its way into your home. In case of situations like this, homeowners insurance can cover the resulting water damage based on the specifics of your insurance quote.
- Additional Endorsements
Some insurance policies provide additional and option endorsements that covers sump pump failure specifically. Resultant water damage is also a part of this coverage. Besides, these additional add-ons can give you a wider range of coverage, unlike a standard insurance policy. Events related to sump pump failure is covered and you are protected.
When Will You Not Receive Coverage?
- Lack of Maintenance
Damages as a result of lack of maintenance is not usually covered by home insurance. Hence, if your sump pump stops functioning as a result of wear and tear of lack of maintenance. This will lead to gradual water damage, coverage is not applied. Besides, insurance providers expect homeowners to be responsible for their sump pump maintenance as well as other systems in the home to avoid foreseen problems.
- Backup of Drain or Sewer
Standard homeowners insurance policies are not responsible for backing up your sewer or drain in your property. Nevertheless, some insurance companies offer additional endorsements to cover this form of damage.
- Flood Damage
Homeowners insurance does not offer flood damage coverage, even if the water is from storm surges, overflowing rivers, or heavy rains. Therefore, even if your sump pump stops working as a result of flooding, your insurance policy will not be covering and be responsible for the repair or replacement cost. There are available separate flood insurance policies and you can access them through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Exclusions In Your Policy
This is the reason why many homeowners are advised to check or review their home insurance policy to find out the limitations or exclusions associated with water damage or sump pump failure. Even though policies can differ have an understanding of these factors can help you find out if you will be needing additional coverage.
- Negligence or Intentional Damage
In situation where your sump pump failure was as a result of negligence or was an intentional act. Your home insurance policy will not be liable to any associated costs. For instance, if maintenance of this home system was neglected intentionally or you intentionally disabled the system, following damages may not be covered.
How To File a Claim Against Sump Pump Failure
The process behind filing a claim against sump pump failure is quite straightforward. Although several steps are required to successfully achieve the process, it is worth the wait. Here is a guide you can follow to get reimbursed for any associated damage:
- Tahe photos and videos of the damage.
- Go through your home insurance policy to check if it is covered.
- Notify your insurance provider immediately.
- Prepare all the details of the damage or failure.
- Cooperate with the insurance adjuster.
- Stay in touch to stay updated.
- Keep records of all form of communications, like letters phone calls, and emails.
- Go through the settlement offer.
Make sure that it is enough to cover the replacement or repair costs. If it isn’t, then you can negotiate with your insurer. In the meantime, make sure that you maintain your sump pump system regularly and understand the specific of your insurance quote to get sufficient coverage.
