Is basement waterproofing covered by insurance? The short answer is no. Although, there are a few policies you may want to consider if your home is in an area susceptible to flooding. Read this article to learn how to get your house covered!
Insurance Policy
Even though your insurance may not cover basement waterproofing, it is still possible to add endorsements to your homeowner’s policy. This policy can cover things like a broken sump pump, burst pipes, or extreme weather events like lightning strikes or earthquakes.
Keep in mind, if there is damage to another fixture in the house that is unrelated to your foundation, such as broken pipes or large appliance malfunctions, you may be able to file an insurance claim that covers the water damage. Many insurance providers will recommend contacting the company that sold you the appliance. If that appliance is the reason for the leak and is within warranty it should be smooth sailing. However, if the warranty on the appliance is no longer in effect, you can talk to your insurance company to see about securing a replacement and arranging for your homeowner’s insurance policy to cover the repairs.
Flood Insurance
Getting a separate flood policy is also possible by seeking protection through the National Flood Insurance Program. The program’s coverage includes “foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases.”
The downside to this coverage is that maintenance will not be covered unless there is a flood. This means that if a downpour or saturated groundwater causes your basement to flood, insurance will not cover it. Homeowner’s policies do not usually cover water damage because basement water damage is neither sudden nor accidental — instead, it’s considered a home maintenance issue.
Other Factors to Consider
If you’re dealing with moisture from rainfall or groundwater, you may have to contend with mold. However, mold is nothing to take lightly. The cost of hiring professionals to remove the mold can be a whole other expense. Mold can cause serious health problems. So, cleaning up mold is in your health and home’s best interests.
Contact Jerry’s Waterproofing for a free quote for preventative maintenance on your basement. We can help you determine your risk factors, different preventative options, and what is best for your home!