Why You Should Consider Adding Water Backup Coverage to Your Insurance Policy

9/29/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss on bathroom in Pearl River, LA

An overflowing toilet or sewer backup can create significant damage inside your Pearl River,LA, home, and completing repairs can be costly. To safeguard your financial security, you should review your homeowner’s insurance policy and ensure you are properly covered from unforeseen events such as water backup.

Risk Minimization

To minimize your risk of a water backup in the first place, you can take several precautionary measures:

• Install a one-way floor drain plug or a backwater valve to restrict water flow
• Avoid pouring greasy residue down sink drains
• Never flush feminine hygiene products or paper towels down the toilet
• Plants trees and shrubs away from your home’s sewer and water lines

Coverage Gap

Most insurance policies will not cover damage resulting from overflowing sewage unless you add this specific coverage to your policy. Without coverage, you will likely have to pay out-of-pocket to complete necessary repairs and replace damaged items. A call to your insurance company can potentially save you money in the long run.

An Additional Benefit of Coverage

In addition to helping you restore your home and belongings, water and sewer backup coverage offers an additional benefit. If the damage makes the home temporarily uninhabitable, you may be able to file a Loss of Use claim. As a result, your insurance company may pay for a hotel or other living expenses until you can safely return to your residence.

Claim Filing Tips

In the event you need to make a water backup claim, make sure you maintain accurate records. To process your claim, your insurance agent may ask for the following items:

• Photos of the damaged area before the flood to verify the home’s prior condition
• Video or photographic evidence of the destruction
• Receipts for completed repairs and cleaning bills
• Documented value of damaged possessions

A Worthwhile Investment

A sewer backup or overflowing toilet can happen to anyone. Verifying your home insurance coverage in advance is a wise action that can provide peace of mind and alleviate the financial strain of the cleanup and restoration process.