Things to Keep in Mind when Working with Your Insurance Company in Birmingham, Michigan

April 7, 2015

Storm Damage Birmingham MichiganIf you are are experiencing storm damage in Birmingham, Michigan, then you will file a claim with your insurance company to help cover the damages. That’s what insurance is for, after all.

You will be dealing with two primary people: your insurance agent and adjuster.

Your insurance agent is your main contact to the insurance company. These are the people who sell policies to customers. Normally, insurance agents do not adjust losses.

Insurance Adjusters “Investigates, interprets your insurance plan, and calculates the covered amount based on negotiated amount or proven pricing database.

Storm Damage in Birmingham Michigan and Your Insurance Company

You will find three common types of Insurance plans:

1. ACV – Policy that pays a value by calculating the substitute cost and deducting some portion of the value for depreciation.

2. RCV – endorsement to an ACV policy modifying it to repay the full cost involving repair or replacement involving items damaged beyond cost effective repair. (Usually, this is payable only once damaged items are really replaced).

3. Peril  Policy – This is a policy which pays provided that certain “named” perils are the reason for loss, rather than “all risk” policy which could cover anything not especially excluded in policy terminology. In fire damage restoration there has to be a ‘fire’ to be considered a covered loss – protein ‘fires’ have no combustion.

Most Insurance plans are Broken Down directly into Four Divisions:

1. Structure

2. Personal Property

  • Personal Property, most of the time, is included in Homeowner’s Insurance. However, in certain instances it will not be covered in it. This type of insurance policy includes items that are not a physical attachment of the home or building. Soft goods will also be covered in this type of insurance.
  • Actual Cash Benefit – is what something actually costs at this time in today’s market or even the price/value of something depending on its usage.
  • Replacement Cost – This is the amount of compensation your insurance company is going to give you on a certain item in order to replace it. Most of the items in your home will be outdated so you will not recieve 100% of the original price you paid for the items lost during the storm. Here’s an example: if you paid $500 a flatscreen TV four years ago, that TV may be valued at half as much of that value, meaning you will have to make up the difference, or 250$ in cost to replace that television.

The Actual cash Value and Replacement Cost will differ from policy to policy. You will need to verify all the information with your insurance agent.

Also, there are things that are not covered by the Actual cash Value or Replacement cost which are things like antiques and jewelry.

3. Additional Living Expense Insurance

Storm Damage Birmingham MichiganThis sort of Insurance takes care of all expenses incurred by an “insured” while they can not live inside of their house.

4. Other Structures (exterior –unattached)

Every Homeowner’s Insurance Policy is unique and as a homeowner it is best to familiarize yourself thoroughly along with your policy so you’re already knowledgeable in the event something happens to your own home.

 

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What was the Largest Hail Stone Ever Recorded in the United States?

April 6, 2015

Storm Damage MichiganWith spring storms looming around the corner, you might be wondering what big the largest hale stone ever recorded in the U.S.  was.

Was it the size of a golf ball? Tennis Ball? Soft Ball?

Try a small soccer ball. That’s right, the largest hale stone ever recorded was recorded was a seven-inch (17. 8-centimeter) wide chunk, being almost as large as a soccer ball.

The official measurements: Seven inches with diameter (17. 8 centimeters) plus a circumference of 18. 75 inches (47. 6 centimeters).

A Little Help is Cool.

The committee who measure the stone included members of various government agencies, including The NWS’ predict office in Hastings, Nebraska, provided the measurements.

“Were it not for that quick thinking of nearby residents, who found the hailstone and kept it from melting, we would’ve not known it existed, ” said Jay Lawrimore, whom chairs the committee.

The hailstone has become at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research with Boulder, Colorado, where it will likely be preserved indefinitely.

“Were it not for the quick thinking of local residents, who found the hailstone and kept it from melting, we would have not known it existed,” said Jay Lawrimore, who chaired the committee.

The previous record for largest hale stone was: diameter of 5. 7 (14. 5 centimeters) inches wide, a circumference of teen. 5 inches (44. 5 centimeters), and was found in Coffeyville, Kansas, on Sept 3, 1970.

According to NOAA, large hailstones can drop at speeds over 100 miles (160 kilometers) hourly. They can sometimes contain foreign matter, such since pebbles, leaves, twigs, loco, and insects.

As one can imagine, these hail stones can do quite a bit of storm damage.  Hail brings about nearly one billion us dollars (U. S. ) in damage each year.

Michigan Hail Storms

Michigan has some pretty bad weather, too, such as a storm in April of 2014 that  produced estimated 80 mile hourly winds north of the Grand Rapids area.

But while Michigan has seen its fair share of hail storms over the years, nothing can quite compare to that monster of a hail stone. In a state where denizens are not at all surprised to see sunshine, snow, hail, and rain all in the same day, Michiganders can take comfort in knowing their homes will not be bombarded by soccer ball-sized ice balls.

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7 Ways to Avoid Water in Your Basement

April 2, 2015
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Image via Flickr by looondawg

 

Having warmer weather almost with-in reach, we are all happily set for that big thaw. This is great news for most of the people in the Northern Hemisphere, where cabin fever has taken its toll. But this also spells disaster unprotected basements and homes where moisture is often a problem.

Many people forget (or tend not to know) that in colder weather basements are simply just as susceptible to wetness. Homes in this place, while usually well-protected via moisture, still stand a terrific chance of becoming flooded during the spring as the weather warms up.

That’s since after snow melts, all that liquid water has to go somewhere. While much of it flows rather nicely down the sewer strain, much more of it flows down into the earth and then heads straight to the water table. This causes hydrostatic pressure, and is what causes basement walls to become wet, as the wetness is pushed and detects a home’s foundation.

To prevent this, here are 7 ideas to avoid basement flooding this spring.

1. We’ve said it many times, but in spring your own gutters and downspouts must work correctly. It’s imperative that the snow that melts out of your roof flows underground, as far away from your own home’s foundation as possible. When the gutter system is compromised, then water has a much greater chance of making its way into your home. Plus it’s good practice to repair or replace gutters for maintenance reasons.

2. Repair any cracks you find in your basement partitions. A crack today can be being a leaky siv sometime soon, and it’s only a matter of time depending on the kind of materials your home’s foundation is made of.

Due to a basement’s porous characteristics, water will always win. Look into some quality sealant to repair basement wall cracks, or contact a professional for true reassurance.

3.If you have the sump pump, ensure it’s plugged in and completely ready for warmer weather. If it under-performed a year ago, consider replacing it which has a better model over the next 12 months. A sump pump can easily keep your basement from flooding. It works with a simple concept, and is essential in many homes and keeps them dry.

4. Call professionals to inspect your own sewers and septic tanks. Spring is the greatest time of year to make sure your septic tanks are clean. Also it is the best time of year to get your sewer checked out. Clogged sewers and septic tanks cause serious but preventable water issues, so make sure you get once-a-year maintenance. After the inspection, a professional will explain if further maintenance is required. Trust us, it’s well worth the cost.

5. Window bore holes and egress windows, when not cared for, are essentially holes for pooling water. Inspect the windows that are in your basement for leaks, check the seal across the frames, and consider installing window well covers if necessary. An egress window is truly beautiful when it isn’t a beacon for water seepage.

6. Create a ground inspection. The ground around your home might consist of materials poorly built to inhibit ground water from entering the house. An expert in the actual field of drainage and erosion can easily tell using sophisticated equipment whether your ground is usually suspect.

7. Consider installing basement water systems that will outlast your home. Devices like French drains, which work to quickly move water far from home, can turn a soaked basement into a desert within just a few days. In addition, when expertly engineered to suit your home specifically, they can convey a nice touch to flower beds like a water management system.

While it might appear like a wet basement is problem containing no solution, we can guarantee that many  people have one. Whether it the result of melting snow, an increased water table, or possibly natural springs occurring within ground, we have engineered solutions for any case.

Need some help helping your basement ready for the actual spring thaw, or produce an existing problem that requires a pro to fix? Feel free to contact us at 888-442-2766to see how we can help.

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Things you need to know about water damage in Roseville Michigan and how to respond for clean-up and repair

March 31, 2015

Water Damage Help in Roseville MichiganWater damage in Roseville Michigan, like anywhere else, is very difficult to deal with. If damage is severe you will need professional help with clean-up and restoration. Even a small water incident in your home can cause a lot of damage and require professional help.

No mater what type of water damage you need to an immediate response. Get the response you need for water damage in Roseville Michigan through your Michigan restoration company.

It only takes a short  while for mold, mildew, fungus and microorganisms to take hold from water damage and begin to grow an spread in your home. When this happens clean-up and repair will be much more difficult, time consuming and expensive.

You need highly trained and certified professionals for water damage in Roseville Michigan, to ensure the clean-up and repair is done completely, correctly and timely.

Water damage can result in a severe health hazard to those residing in the house, especially children and elderly persons. The wet environment and high humidity caused mild, mildew and fungi to grow.

If sewage is backed up into the home even more  dangerous pathogenic agents will be released into the home environment. This makes clean-up and restoration of water damage in Roseville Michigan a critical activity for the health and welfare of the persons living in the home.

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Your Basement is Flooded: Here’s What to do Next

March 30, 2015

Flooded Basement in Michigan

Deal with a Flooded Basement in Michigan

You have come home to find that your basement is filled with water. If you have a flooded basement in Michigan, the most important thing is to not enter the flooded area until you are certain that the area is safe from hazards.

Put Safety First!

Entering a wet basement can be more than just hassle, it can be dangerous.Consider these dangers when inspecting your basement:

Chemicals – If flooding has occurred, make sure that your cleaning supplies have not been added to the floodwater as they can mix and cause harmful inhalants. Also be sure to properly ventilate your home during the flood cleanup process.

Pollutants – It’s not pretty, but sometimes a basement can be flooded with sewage. These fluids contain bacteria and transmit disease, so be sure to wear protective gloves, glasses, and a face mask while inspecting your basement.

Gas leaks – If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call for help. While a flooded basement usually doesn’t cause gas leaks, often times gas leaks and flooded basements can be associated with the kinds of disaster events, i.e. tornado, heavy storm damage, earthquake, etc.

Electrical Shock – This is very possible if electrical appliances are wet, or if your outlets are submerged in water. Turn off your home’s power at the main breaker until you remove the water.

Structural damage – This is not common, but a flooded basement in Michigan may be indicative of structural damage. If you suspect damage, call your insurance adjustor or local restoration company.

Also Consider:

If the flooded basement is due to a burst pipe, turn off the incoming water valve. This will stop the flow of water and minimize the water damage. You can usually tell if the flooding is due to a busted pipe because the flood water will be clean.

If you are uncertain if it is a busted pipe or sewage, do not flush your toilet, washing machine, or any other appliance that uses water. It will likely only worsen the flooding.

Call Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company will advise you on the next steps you need to take. Here are a few basic guidelines:

Document ALL damage to your home by taking photos and making notes. Make a list of things that will need to be replaced. Don’t buy replacement items until you get all the information regarding coverage from your insurance company. Keep all receipts as well.

Your home insurance might cover a flooded basement. Even so, you are responsible for the cleanup and restoration of your home.

The Flood Cleanup in Michigan

Flooded Basement in Michigan

  • Wear- protective eyewear, gloves and a face mask.
  • Beware- of electrical equipment and outlets. Shut off the electricity to the home or at least the basement. Do not use wet appliances.
  • Ventilate– Open windows if you can and use fans. Employ the use of a water pump if you can.

 

Call 888.442.2766 for help with a flooded basement in Michigan

Cleaning

  • Salvage your belongings-  Remove as many items from the flood zone as possible.
  • Completey dry and disinfect-  Clean everything, including the walls, furnace, and floor.
  • Eliminate excess water. A wet/dry vacuum is the best first-line of defense against a flooded basement.
  • Carpets and furniture that can be salvaged may need to be professionally cleaned and dried.

A flooded basement in Michigan can be a tough situation, but you can get through it. Find the right help and your home will be as good as new before you know it.

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