Is sump pump failure and related damage covered by most homeowner’s insurance and do I have to wait for the assessor or can I repair the pump and start getting the water and damage dried out...
2007-05-27 16:18:53 · 9 answers · asked by Ralph 7 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
Sump pump is mechanical breakdown - the damage to the pump itself is not covered.
Water damage would be covered, IF you have "backup of sewers and drains", most of the time. FLOOD is not covered - the water has to back up for it to be covered.
Don't wait for the assessor!! Call the plumber NOW and get this going again.. . . BUT SAVE ALL THE PARTS. Don't let anyone throw anything out.
2007-05-27 16:24:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This type of claim often turns ugly and I'm not just talking about the damage that the water causes. Mbrcatz17 is correct, you need to have the proper coverage endorsement in order for this to be covered. Some policies offer coverage of $1000 and most offer $5000.
I would suggest replacing the pump, not repairing it. These things wear out and need to be replaced. I replace mine every 5 years (but. I'm an insurance adjuster so I'm not normal) so I can help avoid these types of situations.
No matter if you repair or replace the sump pump do NOT let anybody take it or throw it away. If the pump is not real old and it failed you and your insurance company may have a claim against the manufacturer for a defective product. You can NOT make a claim if the old pump is thrown out taken away by the plumber.
Most people assume that ANYTHING that happens is covered by their insurance policy, it is NOT. Changing insurance companies is not going to get this type of claim covered unless you buy the proper coverage endorsement. The policies that the insurance companies sell you are approved by your State. So, if you want to be angry at somebody start with your state legislature.
In the meantime, talk to a trusted plumber about what options you have for a secondary sump pump system to avoid this type of misery in the future. Yes, a secondary system is expensive but it cost less than losing everything in a finished basement.
Good Luck.
2007-05-28 04:00:18 · answer #2 · answered by fighting saints 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take some pictures and start cleaning/fixing.
mbrcatz1 is on it (as usual) and fightingsaints is also correct, water backup has to be endorsed and usually limits damages to $5000 unless insurers can subrogate (make someone else pay).
After replacing the primary sump, you can add a battery powered back-up unit for around $200 + installation. Make sure the drainage for your secondary unit goes somewhere else than your primary (in case excess water in drainage lines causes primary to fail). Also the battery will help protect in the event of a power failure.
When I worked for Farmers insurance they offered optional water backup up to personal policy limits (75% of property coverage). Sentry Insurance offered $10,000 on their Supreme policies. Of course, now that you've had a water claim, good luck getting anyone to take you or offer the coverage.
Sorry for your loss.
2007-05-29 05:09:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope you're not going through the same crap we're going through now. It seems that after the basement flooded to over a foot, there's only enough money to pay the insurance company's clean up cost which is about $5000 US. Nothing for what we lost. The dumpster we filled almost reaches the frigging road. Screw the these so-called insurance companies. The one that is on the very bottom of my list is Allstate. My advice is to have nothing to do with less than reputable scamsters. Does any one wish to recommend a good insurance company? Better luck than I had!
2007-05-27 16:53:53 · answer #4 · answered by lyyman 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some do cover it, I have a float switch in my sump well that is hooked to my home alarm system. It the pump don't work, the raising water will set off the alarm to inform me to take action. Use can hook it to any bell.
2016-05-19 05:15:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have Allstate like I do you had better hire an attorney so you can fight them to get anything out of them! They SUCK! I think its time for a change and I've been with them since forever!
2007-05-27 16:25:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
it should be, but depending on the clauses on your insurance policy.
2007-05-27 16:22:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
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http://insuranceadviceforyou.blogspot.com/
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2007-05-29 21:51:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it should be.
2007-05-27 16:26:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋