Lifetime Insurance Agency, LLC

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06/08/2023

Water Damage ~ if waters leaks through my foundation am I covered?

Most property forms, including the typical Homeowners (HO-3) policy, under SECTION I – PROPERTY EXCLUSIONS, exclude “water damage” caused by:
Water below the surface of the ground, including that which exerts pressure on, or seeps or leaks through a building, wall, bulkhead, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool, hot tub or spa, including their filtration and circulation systems, or other structures.
To keep Homeowners policy premiums low and affordable for everyone, coverage is not afforded to losses that can be prevented by sound building practices or as a result of normal wear and tear rather than sudden and accidental events. So, the main reasons it is necessary to exclude “water below the surface” from a Homeowners policy are:
1. Current construction methods require the foundation to allow water to drain away from the home. Older homes may not have followed these methods or due to improper grading, the shifting of the soil or past severe water events, water may find a path to begin collecting underground next to the home. If the intrusion of water through foundations were covered by insurance, then a home owner would have no incentive to correct the problem. Covering these events would give rise to repeated claims after every periodic severe weather season.
2. Over time, every foundation settles, cracks, and eventually deteriorates. This “wear & tear” may require a home owner to excavate around the foundation (and basement) to place drain tiles and patch/re-seal the foundation and basement concrete walls. Again, if this type of water loss was covered then a home owner would have no financial incentive to repair or improve their home.
When your basement springs a leak or becomes flooded, you might be looking at costly repairs. Water damage is expensive and fixing the source of the water is too. There are a plethora of ways for water to enter your basement. Common reasons for a flooded basement include:
• Cracks in the wall or foundation
• Inadequate lot grading
• Unmaintained foundation
• Leaky pipes
• Overflowing bathtubs, toilets, and floor drains
This is only a small list; your basement gets very creative about the ways it lets water inside. The damage caused by these water intrusions can cost several hundred to many thousands of dollars. The floors, walls, fixtures, appliances, and possessions can all take a beating and add to the total cost of damage and repairs. It's an unfortunate fact that water damage is the second most common home insurance claim in the U.S. Far too many homeowners find themselves looking at a hefty bill when they least expect it.

SO, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IS, ARE BASEMENT LEAKS COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Unfortunately, the answer isn't simple. There are far too many variables involved. But you can begin determining if your leak is covered by diagnosing the source of the leak. The good news is that a lot of basement leaks are covered by insurance. The bad news is that the worst leaks are often not covered. To determine if your basement leak is covered by insurance, diagnose the source of the leak.

ARE BASEMENT LEAKS COVERED BY INSURANCE: INTERNAL WATER SOURCES

Fortunately, basement floods from an internal source are almost always covered by home insurance.
Instances include:
• Broken appliances- If a basement washing machine or refrigerator is on the fritz or has a break in the water supply line, water can seep slowly over time, or flood the basement in what seems like an instant. Thankfully, home insurance considers this "sudden and accidental" almost always covering the cost of repairs. The typical reason it's not covered is when the insurance company can prove it broke because of lack of maintenance on your part.
• Leaky water heater- A leaky water heater is likewise covered, except where they can prove neglect. Keep an eye on your appliances and maintain them well and you ensure coverage.
• Burst pipes- Any burst pipe, even ones that froze and burst, is covered by home insurance. Pipes freeze when the temperature drops and the expansion of the water inside puts stress on the pipe and creates a burst situation, flooding your basement. You're covered every time if you maintain the home with heat during the temperature drop and if you turned off the water before leaving on vacation.
• Overflowing fixtures-Overflowing tubs and sinks are classified "sudden and accidental" saving you the headache of expensive repairs from the resulting floods.

ARE BASEMENT LEAKS COVERED BY INSURANCE: EXTERNAL WATER SOURCES

Homeowner's insurance is frustrating. It's there for you in a lot of ways, but sometimes absent when you need it most. External water sources are almost never covered by average home insurance. And even flood insurance doesn't cover every basement leak. If insurance classifies your water intrusion as groundwater, you can expect them not to cover it.
Despite what you might think, your insurance company isn't doing this out of the meanness of their hearts; there are two very logical explanations for the lack of coverage. Your home insurance company is trying to keep premiums as low and affordable as possible, and not covering groundwater leaks is the best way. The two main reasons, as listed by American Insurance are:
1. "Current construction methods require the foundation to allow water to drain away from the home. Older homes may not have followed these methods or due to improper grading, the shifting of the soil or past severe water events, water may find a path to begin collecting underground next to the home. If the intrusion of water through foundations were covered by insurance, then a home owner would have no incentive to correct the problem. Covering these events would give rise to repeated claims after every periodic severe weather season.
2. Over time, every foundation settles, cracks, and eventually deteriorates. This "wear & tear" may require a home owner to excavate around the foundation (and basement) to place drain tiles and patch/re-seal the foundation and basement concrete walls. Again, if this type of water loss was covered then a home owner would have no financial incentive to repair or improve their home."
This can seem discouraging, but it is also very matter of fact. If you have a new home, keep it maintained, and if you have an older home, it's time for some hardcore fixing. Homeownership comes with immense responsibility, and maintenance is the best form of protection against damage.
Basement leaks not covered by insurance include:
• Rising water from a storm of heavy rains-You will need adequate flood insurance to protect you against damage from any weather event. When you purchase flood insurance, make sure you find a policy that covers both dwelling and contents. Most flood insurance policies cover possessions but not the structure of the home.
• Sewage backup-Sewer system backups are not covered. But you can try DIY protection approaches like using a floor drain plug, standpipe, or overhead sewer.
• Groundwater seeping through cracks-Cracks in your wall or foundation can let groundwater in, and groundwater is never covered by typical home insurance.

ARE BASEMENT LEAKS COVERED BY INSURANCE: WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you find yourself wondering, are basement leaks covered by insurance, then you've probably already had a leak, or are genuinely worried about one in the future. You're not alone. Basements are built partially or entirely underground, making them immensely prone to leaks.
Do what you can to prevent internal leaks, but remember that should it still happened, they're covered by insurance. For external leaks, check your basement for entry points and call a certified basement waterproofing technician to assess the area. They can diagnose potential weak spots and give you an estimate for waterproofing your basement from groundwater.

02/15/2023

Water Damage ~ if waters leaks through my foundation am I covered?
Most property forms, including the typical Homeowners (HO-3) policy, under SECTION I – PROPERTY EXCLUSIONS, exclude “water damage” caused by:
Water below the surface of the ground, including that which exerts pressure on, or seeps or leaks through a building, wall, bulkhead, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool, hot tub or spa, including their filtration and circulation systems, or other structures.
To keep Homeowners policy premiums low and affordable for everyone, coverage is not afforded to losses that can be prevented by sound building practices or as a result of normal wear and tear rather than sudden and accidental events. So, the main reasons it is necessary to exclude “water below the surface” from a Homeowners policy are:
1. Current construction methods require the foundation to allow water to drain away from the home. Older homes may not have followed these methods or due to improper grading, the shifting of the soil or past severe water events, water may find a path to begin collecting underground next to the home. If the intrusion of water through foundations were covered by insurance, then a home owner would have no incentive to correct the problem. Covering these events would give rise to repeated claims after every periodic severe weather season.
2. Over time, every foundation settles, cracks, and eventually deteriorates. This “wear & tear” may require a home owner to excavate around the foundation (and basement) to place drain tiles and patch/re-seal the foundation and basement concrete walls. Again, if this type of water loss was covered then a home owner would have no financial incentive to repair or improve their home.
When your basement springs a leak or becomes flooded, you might be looking at costly repairs. Water damage is expensive and fixing the source of the water is too. There are a plethora of ways for water to enter your basement. Common reasons for a flooded basement include:
• Cracks in the wall or foundation
• Inadequate lot grading
• Unmaintained foundation
• Leaky pipes
• Overflowing bathtubs, toilets, and floor drains
This is only a small list; your basement gets very creative about the ways it lets water inside. The damage caused by these water intrusions can cost several hundred to many thousands of dollars. The floors, walls, fixtures, appliances, and possessions can all take a beating and add to the total cost of damage and repairs. It's an unfortunate fact that water damage is the second most common home insurance claim in the U.S. Far too many homeowners find themselves looking at a hefty bill when they least expect it.
SO, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IS, ARE BASEMENT LEAKS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Unfortunately, the answer isn't simple. There are far too many variables involved. But you can begin determining if your leak is covered by diagnosing the source of the leak. The good news is that a lot of basement leaks are covered by insurance. The bad news is that the worst leaks are often not covered. To determine if your basement leak is covered by insurance, diagnose the source of the leak.
ARE BASEMENT LEAKS COVERED BY INSURANCE: INTERNAL WATER SOURCES
Fortunately, basement floods from an internal source are almost always covered by home insurance.
Instances include:
• Broken appliances- If a basement washing machine or refrigerator is on the fritz or has a break in the water supply line, water can seep slowly over time, or flood the basement in what seems like an instant. Thankfully, home insurance considers this "sudden and accidental" almost always covering the cost of repairs. The typical reason it's not covered is when the insurance company can prove it broke because of lack of maintenance on your part.
• Leaky water heater- A leaky water heater is likewise covered, except where they can prove neglect. Keep an eye on your appliances and maintain them well and you ensure coverage.
• Burst pipes- Any burst pipe, even ones that froze and burst, is covered by home insurance. Pipes freeze when the temperature drops and the expansion of the water inside puts stress on the pipe and creates a burst situation, flooding your basement. You're covered every time if you maintain the home with heat during the temperature drop and if you turned off the water before leaving on vacation.
• Overflowing fixtures-Overflowing tubs and sinks are classified "sudden and accidental" saving you the headache of expensive repairs from the resulting floods.
ARE BASEMENT LEAKS COVERED BY INSURANCE: EXTERNAL WATER SOURCES
Homeowner's insurance is frustrating. It's there for you in a lot of ways, but sometimes absent when you need it most. External water sources are almost never covered by average home insurance. And even flood insurance doesn't cover every basement leak. If insurance classifies your water intrusion as groundwater, you can expect them not to cover it.
Despite what you might think, your insurance company isn't doing this out of the meanness of their hearts; there are two very logical explanations for the lack of coverage. Your home insurance company is trying to keep premiums as low and affordable as possible, and not covering groundwater leaks is the best way. The two main reasons, as listed by American Insurance are:
1. "Current construction methods require the foundation to allow water to drain away from the home. Older homes may not have followed these methods or due to improper grading, the shifting of the soil or past severe water events, water may find a path to begin collecting underground next to the home. If the intrusion of water through foundations were covered by insurance, then a home owner would have no incentive to correct the problem. Covering these events would give rise to repeated claims after every periodic severe weather season.
2. Over time, every foundation settles, cracks, and eventually deteriorates. This "wear & tear" may require a home owner to excavate around the foundation (and basement) to place drain tiles and patch/re-seal the foundation and basement concrete walls. Again, if this type of water loss was covered then a home owner would have no financial incentive to repair or improve their home."
This can seem discouraging, but it is also very matter of fact. If you have a new home, keep it maintained, and if you have an older home, it's time for some hardcore fixing. Homeownership comes with immense responsibility, and maintenance is the best form of protection against damage.
Basement leaks not covered by insurance include:
• Rising water from a storm of heavy rains-You will need adequate flood insurance to protect you against damage from any weather event. When you purchase flood insurance, make sure you find a policy that covers both dwelling and contents. Most flood insurance policies cover possessions but not the structure of the home.
• Sewage backup-Sewer system backups are not covered. But you can try DIY protection approaches like using a floor drain plug, standpipe, or overhead sewer.
• Groundwater seeping through cracks-Cracks in your wall or foundation can let groundwater in, and groundwater is never covered by typical home insurance.
ARE BASEMENT LEAKS COVERED BY INSURANCE: WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you find yourself wondering, are basement leaks covered by insurance, then you've probably already had a leak, or are genuinely worried about one in the future. You're not alone. Basements are built partially or entirely underground, making them immensely prone to leaks.
Do what you can to prevent internal leaks, but remember that should it still happened, they're covered by insurance. For external leaks, check your basement for entry points and call a certified basement waterproofing technician to assess the area. They can diagnose potential weak spots and give you an estimate for waterproofing your basement from groundwater.

01/12/2023

If snow is allowed to accumulate during winter storms, roof structures can collapse. The excessive snow load can
cause a roof or an entire structure to fail. This is due to the weight of ice and snow accumulation putting a
downward force on the building’s roof.
Flash Points
Building Collapse Resulting from the Weight of Ice and Snow
Taking time to remove the snow and ice from your building roofs will
benefit you. In addition to the damage to your property covered by your
insurance policy, you may have substantial uninsured loss.
This may include:
 Residential displacement or downtime to your operation.
 The additional cost of debris removal.
 The loss of items that cannot be replaced.
 The value of your policy deductible.
Limiting accumulation of snow can reduce the chance of roof collapse. Several factors may contribute to snow
buildup, including:
 Roof Pitch - A steeper, angled roof sheds snow faster than a flatter roof. A 14-degree roof pitch is the best for snowy
areas.
 Snowdrifts - Windblown snow from surrounding buildings and trees can create snowdrifts that unevenly distribute
snow loads.
 Lower Buildings - If two buildings are next to each other, the roof of the lower building will typically receive the sliding
snow or ice from the higher roof.
 Shingled Roof Decks - Metal roofs are better for allowing snow to slide off a building, whereas shingled roof decks
trap snow and can become damaged during the snow removal process.
 Roof Valleys - Valleys can cause snow to build up and remain present longer than on the rest of the roof.

Ice Dams
An ‘ice dam’ occurs when snow on your roof melts and refreezes. Ice dams create
pools of water that can seep into your dwelling or building, damaging various
areas of the interior surfaces. Removing snow and ice immediately after a storm
or filling a stocking/sock with ice melt and laying it perpendicular to the edge of
your roof are a couple of suggestions in preventing ice dam build-up.

The following are preventive measures that can help ensure that a building roof is safe from collapse:
 Build a structure to withstand snow loads - A properly designed structure should meet or exceed the expected
pounds per square foot (psf) of snow loads from winter storms. Agricultural buildings are typically built to handle
snow loads that are 20 psf, which equals about 4 feet of dry snow or 2 feet of wet, heavy snow.
 Plant snow fences or tree shelterbelts - Snow fences and tree shelterbelts can help keep away excessive snow
by protecting a building or farmstead from snowdrifts.
 Keep the roofline simple - Straight, single-ridge gable roofs don’t accumulate as much snow as roofs with valleys,
dormers, and other obstructions.
 Remove snow and ice frequently and properly - Removing accumulated snow and ice can help prevent roof
collapse. Taking the weight off a roof can prevent structural damage, limit water pools, and stop ice damming. Hire a
qualified professional with proper equipment, safety training, and experience for this service.

If an owner suspects a snow load is in excess of the design loading or if the roof is showing signs of
impeding collapse such as buckled or broken members, plans to remove the snow should be implemented.
Below are tips and suggestions to remove the snow safely minimizing damage.
 Heating air in an uninsulated building can help to melt snow or ice in contact with the
roof surface allowing the snow or ice to slide from a sloped roof.
 Snow sliding from the building roof can cause crushing, suffocating injuries or death.
Keep people and animals away from the fall zone when snow or ice slides from the
roof.
 Once snow is removed from the roof, make sure it does not cover or damage any
appliance meters, regulators, or exhaust/fresh air vents that service interior
appliances.
 Roof snow can also be removed by shoveling. This is a dangerous process as falling
from ladders and the roof is a real possibility. Consider hiring experts who own boom
trucks or other specialized equipment.
 Use a snow roof rake if at all possible. This allows you to stand on the ground in a
safe place. Removing snow from the edge of the roof could allow snow above the edge to avalanche. Make sure you
are out of the fall zone when scraping snow from a smooth roof surface.
 Use fall protection equipment when workers are on the roof. Tie workers off so they don’t fall from the roof.
 If ladders are used, locate and secure them so they do not fall while workers are standing on them. Also, locate ladders
so they don’t fall if snow slides off the roof knocking workers off the ladder or leaving them stranded on the roof.
 Generally, remove snow from the most heavily loaded areas first.
 Remove snow in narrow strips instead of large areas to help keep loading somewhat uniform.
 Don’t pile removed snow onto snow-covered areas increasing the load in those areas.
 Use plastic shovels or wooden roof rakes to avoid damaging roofing material. Don’t feel as if all snow must be removed.
A layer of snow next to the roof surface can protect the surface from damage during the snow removal process.
 Do not pick or chip at ice near the roof surface to avoid damaging roofing material.
 Do not use snow blowers as they can damage the roof.
The following are preventive measures that can help ensure that a building roof is safe from collapse:
 Build a structure to withstand snow loads - A properly designed structure should meet or exceed the expected
pounds per square foot (psf) of snow loads from winter storms. Agricultural buildings are typically built to handle
snow loads that are 20 psf, which equals about 4 feet of dry snow or 2 feet of wet, heavy snow.
 Plant snow fences or tree shelterbelts - Snow fences and tree shelterbelts can help keep away excessive snow
by protecting a building or farmstead from snowdrifts.
 Keep the roofline simple - Straight, single-ridge gable roofs don’t accumulate as much snow as roofs with valleys,
dormers, and other obstructions.
 Remove snow and ice frequently and properly - Removing accumulated snow and ice can help prevent roof
collapse. Taking the weight off a roof can prevent structural damage, limit water pools, and stop ice damming. Hire a
qualified professional with proper equipment, safety training, and experience for this service.
(Ram Mutual Flash points, Jan 2023)

08/24/2021

Clothes Dryer Maintenance

It may be one of those “out of sight out of mind” tasks, but the lint in your clothes dryer and clothes dryer ducts should be cleaned after every dryer load. Also about once a month use a vacuum or a lint brush to thoroughly clean underneath and behind your dryer. Vacuum your dryer’s motor area several times a year. Make sure you leave clearance space between the back of your dryer and the wall. Pressing your dryer up against a wall crushes the vent tubing, which reduces airflow and causes lint to build up. Taking these precautions not only reduces the risk of fire but your clothes will dry faster and your dryer will use less energy.

08/11/2021

Carbon Monoxide: The silent Danger

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that is undetected by human senses.

The effects of Carbon monoxide can be deadly. Red blood cells absorb carbon monoxide quicker than they pick up oxygen, so when there are high levels of carbon monoxide present, the body replaces oxygen with the carbon monoxide in the blood and blocks any oxygen from getting into the body. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Untreated carbon monoxide poisoning can result in long-term disabilities or even death.

The following can be sources of carbon monoxide:

unvented kerosene and gas space heaters
Leaking chimneys and furnaces
Back-draftng from furnaces
Gas automobile exhaust from attached garages
To***co smoke
Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air.
Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g. boilers , furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking.
Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source.

A carbon monoxide detector should be installed on every level of the home within 10-15 feet of every bedroom in the house. If you have an attached garage, a detector should ne near or in a room over the garage. The unit itself should be replaced every five to six years.

07/19/2021

Fire Safety Tips

* Install smoke alarms on each level of your home. Test them regularly and replace the battery every 6 months.
* Keep matches in a closed container away from heat sources and out of the reach of children.
* avoid overloading extension cords and outlets.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer regularly.
Keep grill at least 3 feet away from your house and shrubs or bushes.
Space heaters should always be kept at least 3 feet away from other objects and never leave unattended while it is plugged in in order to prevent a fire. (Space heaters are responsible for about 900 home fires every year.)
Make sure alternative heaters have tip switches that are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting derby carpets, furniture or other items that can catch fire.
Don’t use the oven on your gas range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Always use a flashlight. - not a candle - for emergency lighting, some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home’s electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage.

Exterior Safety Tips

Clear your house gutters and roof drains especially in the winter to avoid ice damming.
Check the exterior of your house for small openings; seal them to avoid rodents and other pests from entering your home.
Your roof might need replacing if you notice the shingles are curling and have extensive granule loss. If the roof is leaking, call a contractor as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Check the chimney and flues and clear them of debris. It is a good idea to have it professionally cleaned annually.
Turn off exterior faucets.

Interior Safety Tips

Check and clean your heating system and make sure it is in good working condition. Keep all debris clear of the hot water tank and the furnace. Clean and / or replace the furnace filter.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and the space under the dryer to prevent lint accumulation.
Vacuum the front and back of your refrigerator once a month for good ventilation.
Shred papers with any personal information to avoid identity theft.
Check all stairs in and around your home for deterioration. There should be handrails on all stairways in excess of three steps.
Do not use extension cords improperly or overload the electrical outlets. Install inexpensive ground fault interrupters to avoid fires, burns, and electrocutions.
Keep fire extinguishers readily available and fully charged.
Take photos of your property and items of value for reference in case of a loss.
While away for extended periods, set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees, put lights on a timer, turn off the main water to the home, and ask a neighbor or family member to watch your property.

07/14/2021

Hailstorm Tips

Hail is one of the most common and costly weather hazards in the US. The majority of hailstorms occur May through August. Most severe hailstorms occur between 1-9pm. Hailstorms rarely last more than 15 minutes, with an average duration of 6 minutes. Roof damage can be a consequence of hailstorms.

a hail stone would need to be 1.25” in diameter of greater to have the potential to cause damage to a roof shingle.
Gutters and downspouts are typically made form very soft aluminum. If these materials are free of damage, you can assume your roof shingles were not affected by the hail.
If your vehicle or neighbors’ vehicles are parked outside and show no signs of damage it is unlikely your roof is damaged.
If you have granular loss in ur gutters, that is not a true identification of hail damage. Granular loss is a normal occurrence due to the effects of weathering, age, wear and tear, and deterioration. Older roofs will have heavier granular loss as the shingles reach the end of their life expectancy.
Unsealed, lifted, cupped or curling shingles do not necessarily mean wind damage. Shingles are designed to reseal after becoming unsealed or may need a fresh application of sealant to help them reseal faster. Wind damage is only documentable when it is considered to be torn, ripped or pulled away from their nails/staple.
Check inside the home. Not all hail damage is obvious. Be sure to check inside the home for water leaks.
Repair the hail damage right away. Hail damage is often limited to just a few shingles which can easily be fixed and way less expensive than having to make major repairs later because the roof is leaking.
Be wary of fraudulent roofing contractors. Storm chaser contractors may point out pre-existing damage, create their own damage, or say that there is damage when there isn’t. If someone approaches you offering a free inspection, pressure you to make a quick decision, have blanks on the contracted estimate, or want upfront payment be wary and do your due diligence and get a second opinion or check out the company with the Better Business Bureau.

11/04/2020

North Star News
HEADING SOUTH FOR THE WINTER?
We are again approaching that time of year when many of our insureds will be headed to warmer climates for the winter. It is important to remind them to take the necessary measures to properly winterize their dwelling while they are away. Such things should include:
• Maintain heat in the dwelling; arrange to keep propane
tanks filled as needed
• Drain water pipes
• Consider installing monitoring equipment as well as an app on their cell phone to alert them to any sudden temperature changes in the dwelling
• Have a designated person available to keep watch over the dwelling and make occasional interior checks of the
property Not only will this help prevent a major loss, but will also hopefully save the policyholder from the frustrations of coming home to a major mess.

Address

101 Brown Street E PO Box 128
Comfrey, MN
56019

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15078774111

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