Coverage Spotlight: Water Back Up

​One of the more common causes of homeowner insurance claims is damage to a house and contents due to sump pump failure resulting to water backing up through the sump pump on to the floor of the policyholder's basement.  If the basement is finished, the water can cause significant damage to carpet, drywall and the personal property of the homeowner (furniture, ect.).  In addition, a musty odor can linger for an indefinite period of time following clean-up.
Every homeowner should consider purchasing water back up coverage!  Water back up coverage can be added by endorsement to the home policy available in increments of $10,000, and subject to the policy deductible, for an annual cost of approximately $80.  Considering the extensive damage that water back up can cause, this coverage is a great value to the homeowner.  Without it, the homeowner would incur the out-of-pocket expense of a professional cleaning company to set-up an industrial dehumidifier, fans and extract water from carpet.  Almost always the carpet pad will need to be replaced.  Often, the wet carpet can be salvaged by cleaning and reinstalling.