On the South Shore, the insurance surprise we see most often is this: two homes on the same block both have water in the basement, and only one claim gets paid. The difference is usually where the water came from.
Standard homeowners policies typically cover sudden and accidental water damage that starts inside the home, such as a burst pipe, a failed water heater or an overflowing washing machine. They usually do not cover damage from a slow leak that went on for months, or the cost of repairing the pipe itself. Every policy is different, so read yours or ask your agent.
Water that comes from outside and covers normally dry land, like storm surge, an overflowing canal or a flooded street, is a flood. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood. Flood coverage comes from a separate policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.
A single house with a burst pipe is not a flood. A neighborhood under water from the bay is.
Water backing up through floor drains or toilets is often excluded from a standard homeowners policy unless you added a water backup or sewer backup endorsement. If your basement has floor drains, ask your agent about this coverage before you need it.
New NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, so buying a policy as a storm approaches will not cover that storm. After a flood, NFIP policyholders must submit a signed proof of loss within 60 days of the loss unless FEMA extends the deadline. Report the loss to your insurer as soon as you can.
NFIP residential policies cover the building up to $250,000 and contents up to $100,000, and they do not pay for temporary housing. Coverage in basements is limited to certain items, such as the furnace, water heater, electrical panel and cleanup, and generally does not include finished flooring, paneling or most belongings stored there.
Gotham Builders of New York, family-owned since 1995 and based at 108 W Merrick Rd in Freeport, documents the damage with photos and moisture readings, gives your adjuster a detailed scope, and starts drying right away so the damage does not grow. We work with all major insurance companies. Call (516) 377-0400, 24/7.
This guide is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy language decides what is covered.
Our service: Water damage restoration in Freeport and Nassau County
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