04/29/2020
Here’s a pic from tonight’s (4/28/20) storm. Taken by my son Stephen out our back door. How do you prepare for a storm like this to help avoid a claim? Here’s a few things I’ve learned from 30 years of seeing storm claims:
- GROUND WATER IN BASEMENT... when your basement is finished this problem is heartbreaking. If you don’t have a working sump pump, you’re already behind the 8-ball. Remember the saying “what goes up must come down”. The rain is falling down to the ground.
If it’s not being directed away from the house it will continue to go down to your basement. Maybe even through the walls which is called HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE. This is not covered by your homeowners insurance. The first problem is the water isn’t getting sent AWAY from the house. That is the job of your gutters. Do whatever you can to make your gutters as functional as possible. There’s nothing wrong with extra wide gutters. They hold and direct more water.
I HAVE A LEAK & WATER IS DRIPPING FROM MY CEILING- first problem again may be the gutters. But it could be a flashing issue. The flashing covers where the roof pitch changes and will deteriorate with time. The shingles may have blown away. The water now only needs to travel through a piece of sheeting and bam! It’s in.
I HAVE A SUMP PUMP BUT THE ELECTRIC WENT OUT AND IT WASN’T WORKING - you and I need to talk about BACK UP OF SEWER & DRAIN / SUMP PUMP FAILURE. This endorsement could be the difference between you being covered or not.
LIGHTNING ZAPPED EVERYTHING IN MY HOUSE- generally speaking this is covered. Subject to your deductible but it can affect appliances, outlets and even your breaker box and weather head outside. If this happens, you have a claim and I’ll walk you through it.
I hope this info helps. Stay well & safe,
Phil - your insurance agent
