Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage Clean Up?
By Oakland, Wayne & Macomb County’s Best Flood CleanUp Company

There is often a lot of confusion over insurance coverage of “flood” damage cleanup. This is because most homeowners use the term flood one way – while insurance companies use flood to mean something very specific.

Many people use the term “flood” to mean any sudden deluge of water, including burst pipes, leaking roofs, etc., in addition to floods from rain or rivers.

But insurance companies, use the term “flood” only to refer specifically to an overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines – such as rain water that isn’t absorbed into the ground, or a river overflowing its banks.

As Oakland, Wayne & Macomb County’s best flood clean up company, we have decades of experience dealing with homeowners insure companies to help our customers get the maximum coverage allowable after flood water damage.

Flood Damage Clean Up Covered by Insurance – Macomb County

“Flooding” – i.e. water damage – caused by “sudden or accidental” burst pipes, ruptured water heaters or leaking roofs IS typically covered by homeowners insurance. However it is still a good idea to check your insurance policy carefully to make sure this type of “flood” is covered.

There is, however, an exception to coverage for flood water cleanup for burst pipes, leaking roofs, etc. Generally insurance will not cover flood water damage resulting from an unresolved maintenance issues, such as an ongoing leak from a faucet or other plumbing fixture.

Flood Damage Clean Up NOT Covered By Insurance

Homeowners insurance typically does NOT cover water damage from “actual” floods” – i.e. overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines – from heavy rain water that isn’t absorbed into the ground or from a river overflowing its banks.

In recent years – due to excessively rainy spring seasons – areas of Oakland, Wayne & Macomb County have all experienced actual incidents of widespread flooding.

Water backup from an outside sewer or drain is also NOT typically covered by most standard homeowner’s policies. And due to Oakland, Wayne & Macomb County’s aging sewage systems, flooding from sewage backup has also been occurring more frequently.

Buying Flood Damage Cleanup Insurance – Macomb County

However, usually you are able to purchase additional sewer or water backup coverage – and/or flood insurance – that can help provide protection in case of an actual flood.  Sewage backup insurance coverage can usually be added to your home insurance policy as a “rider” for an additional $50 to $150 per year. And flood insurance can be obtained directly through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Hiring an experienced sewage backup contractor – like Aaron’s Restoration – will also help ensure a smooth and hassle-free insurance claims process if you have experienced flood water damage that is covered by your homeowner’s policy. We will provide a complete flood damage inspection, and provide you with the information and documentation your insurance company will need to assess what repairs will be covered, and to get you the maximum claims coverage under your policy.

Our experienced sewage backup clean up team knows what the insurance company is “looking for” when approving your insurance claim – and can provide it in a rapid, detailed and organized fashion, so there are no delays in processing your claim!

About NFIP Flood Damage Cleanup Insurance Coverage
By Oakland, Macomb & Wayne County’s Best Flood Clean Up Company

Most people wrongly assume that their homeowner’s insurance policy covers ALL “flooding” or flood damage cleanup.

This confusion over insurance coverage of “flood” damage cleanup often occurs because most homeowners use the term flood one way – while insurance companies use flood to mean something very specific.

Burst Pipe Flood Damage Cleanup IS Covered by Most Insurance – Wayne County

Many people use the term “flood” to mean any sudden deluge of water, including burst pipes or water heaters, leaking roofs, etc. This type of “flooding” – i.e. water damage – caused by “sudden or accidental” burst pipes, ruptured water heaters or leaking roofs IS typically covered by homeowners insurance. (However it is still a good idea to check your insurance policy carefully to make sure this type of “flood” is covered.)

Rain & River Water Flood Damage is NOT Covered by Most Insurance – Wayne County

Actual “flooding” – i.e. an overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines – such as rain water that isn’t absorbed into the ground, or a river overflowing its banks – is NOT covered by homeowners insurance.

Only a specific and separate Flood Insurance Policy will cover rainwater or river flood damage cleanup costs.

And since precipitation across Michigan has been well above normal in 2016  – from 125 to 350 percent above normal amounts – we are seeing an increase in flood water damage in Oakland, Macomb & Wayne County.

The good news is that flood insurance is available to homeowners, commercial business owners, and renters for both a building and its contents.

A few private insurers do sell homeowners policies that cover flood damage, but typically these private policies are quite expensive. Generally, the best and most affordable means of obtaining flood water damage insurance is to buy it through the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”).

Flood insurance from the NFIP is available to anyone – as long as the community they live in is in compliance with federal storm water and flood plain management rules.

How Do I Know if I have Flood Damage Cleanup Insurance?  – Wayne County

Homeowners policies that include actual flood water (rain, river, etc.) coverage are rare – but do exists. So always read your homeowners policy first.

In 1983, the government created the Write Your Own (WYO) program, which enables private insurance companies to sell NFIP/FEMA’s standard flood policy under their own brand/name (although it’s still an NFIP policy). SO it is possible that your agent sold you a flood policy in addition to your insurance policy. Check with your agent.

If you have a Federally-backed mortgage, you may have been required to buy flood insurance, so you may even have the coverage without knowing it.  The premiums may even be deducted from your mortgage escrow account – so you may even have this coverage without realizing it.

What Flood Damage Cleanup does NFIP Insurance Cover? – Wayne County

NFIP Flood Insurance covers up to $250,000 for a dwelling (including a garage) that is damaged by flood – and it includes clean up and repairs, outside and inside walls, debris removal and remediation of resulting mildew, mold, and fungus. If you have also paid for contents coverage, you have up to $100,000 in benefits under a residential policy and $500,000 for commercial policies.  (With certain caps or limits for artwork, jewelry, collections and antiques.)

Sewage Backup Cleanup Issues – Causes & Prevention
By Wayne, Oakland & Macomb County’s Best Sewer Backup Company

Most homeowners do not realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their main sewer line — the pipeline that runs between their house and the city’s sewer main – until they have a problem. Typically under Michigan municipal laws (including most cities in Wayne, Oakland & Macomb County) this part of the sewer line is owned by the property owner, and they are responsible for repairs.

Causes of Sewer Backups – Clean Up Macomb County

Over time, main sewer lines eventually deteriorate, crack, collapse or get blocked. Usually the homeowner has no idea that there is a problem, until a severe rainstorm occurs and sewage backup occurs.

The common causes of damaged sewer lines and sewer backups are:

Aging Sewer Lines Cause Sewage Backup: Macomb County

Most sewer lines in Wayne, Oakland & Macomb County are 30 or more years old. After decades of wear, tear & built up blockage, the sewer lines no longer have the capability to withstand heavy demands and so they back up.

Combined Pipelines Cause Sewage Backup: Macomb County

As a cost saving measure, some newer sewage and drainage systems combine the storm water runoff and the raw sewage into the same pipeline. During heavy rain storms, these combined systems are filled with more volume and/or debris than they can handle – causing sewage backup requiring extensive cleanup.

Tree Roots Cause Sewage Backup: Macomb County

Shrubs and trees often try to make their way into cracks or through joints in sewer lines, in an attempt to find moisture. Tree roots can be quite long and sewer damage may occur from a tree on your neighbor’s property or on public property.

Preventing Sewer Backups – Clean Up Macomb County

There are several steps you can take to help prevent sewer line backups.

Don’t Put Grease, Fats & Oils Down the Drain:

Grease, fats, gravy, and cooking oil should never be disposed of down your kitchen drain. These substances will cool off and solidify they build up and can create a massive clog.

Don’t Put Paper Products Down Drains (except toilet paper):

Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down your toilet. Don’t put diapers, paper towels, & sanitary products down the toilet because they do not deteriorate and can easily clog & backup your sewer line.

Replace Old Clay & Metal Pipes:

One way to prevent sewage backup from deteriorated sewer lines or tree root infiltration is to replace old clay or metal sewer pipes with new plastic or PVC pipe.

Maintain Existing Lines to Prevent Sewage Backups:

You can also have tree roots cut regularly that are approaching the sewer line. Also, periodically having your sewer lines cleaned can help avoid sewage backups.

Does Insurance Cover Sewage Backup Cleanup?
By Oakland, Macomb & Wayne County’s Best Sewage Backup Company

Many people do not realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their home’s main sewer line — the pipeline that runs between their house and the city’s sewer main – until they have to deal with  problem. Under most Michigan municipal laws (including most cities in Oakland, Macomb & Wayne County) this part of the sewer line is considered to be owned by the homeowner, so they are responsible for repairs and backups.

The average cost of sewage clean up and restoration in a basement can range from $7,500 to $30,000. So knowing what insurance coverage you have for this – before there is a sewage backup – is important

Whether insurance covers sewage backup cleanup depends on:

• What caused the sewage backup; and,
• What type of insurance coverage you have purchased.

So, your first step should always be to get out your insurance policy and read it carefully – so you understand your sewage backup coverage and know your rights. If you hire Aaron’s Restoration to repair your roof damage, we will work with you to ensure that your insurance company covers as much damage repair as possible, if it is covered by your homeowners’ insurance.

Sewage Backup Cleanup Riders – Wayne County

As a general rule sewage backup cleanup is NOT covered under a standard Michigan homeowner’s insurance policy. So it is a good idea to talk to your insurance agent about adding specific coverage for sewage backups – in the form of a sewage backup “rider”.

This type of sewage backup rider generally costs only an additional $40 to $150 a year. The actual cost will depend upon the amount of the deductible you choose, and how much coverage you need.

Sewage Back Up Cleanup & Old Sewage Lines – Wayne County

Most sewer lines in Oakland, Macomb & Wayne County are 30 years old – and even older. After decades of wear & tear, built up blockage & tree root infiltration, many existing sewer lines no longer have the ability to withstand heavy rain, snow melting or other demands – and so they back up.

As a result, in Oakland, Macomb & Wayne County – especially in older cities like Mt. Clemens and Detroit – there have been many devastating sewage backups in recent years.

Many people believe that the city or county should be responsible for covering the cost of the sewage backup – since it  is their sewer system that is old or in poor repair. Unfortunately, in most cases – unless there has been some type of gross negligence that can be proved – bringing a claim against a city or municipality for sewage backup cleanup is rarely successful.

Preventing Sewage Back Ups – Wayne County

One way to prevent sewage backup from old or damaged sewer lines is to replace old clay or metal sewer pipes with new plastic or PVC pipe. You should also regularly have tree roots cut that are approaching the sewer line. Additionally, periodically having your sewer lines cleaned can help avoid sewage backups.

If you do experience a sewage backup, taking quick action is critical to prevent further damage and avoid risks to health and property.

We Offer Sewage Backup Cleanup in Oakland, Wayne & Macomb County Homes

Tips for Filing Roof Replacement Repair Insurance Claims
From Macomb, Wayne & Oakland County’s Best Roof Repair Company

In the extreme weather conditions of Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County residential roofs will naturally deteriorate over time – as well as be suddenly damaged by extreme weather events such as tornados and wind storms.

Finding out that your roof needs to be replaced or repaired is often an unexpected cost that you simply hadn’t planned or budgeted for!  And dealing with your homeowners insurance, talking to adjusters and making sure you get reimbursed for all covered damages is a daunting process.

Aaron’s Restoration has extensive experience in providing roof estimates for insurance claims – helping our clients navigate the process of getting their roof repair or replacement covered to the maximum extent possible under their insurance coverage.

In our experience, in more than 90 percent high-wind or hail damage claims, there is an insurance payout to cover roof damage repairs. However insurance companies review roofing claims very carefully – and require the homeowner to provide proper documentation and other supporting information before they will cover your claim.

Tips to get maximum coverage for your roof damage repair claim:

1. Know What Roof Damage Repair Your Policy Covers – Oakland 

“All Risk Policies” typically will cover every type of roof damage – except for certain limited causes of damage that are specifically excluded and listed as “exceptions”. However, “Named Peril Insurance” is a type of insurance that will only cover the cost of roof repairs that are specifically named in the insurance policy – and excludes any damage not specifically named in the policy.

2. Keep Your Roof In Good General Repair – Oakland County

If you have roof damage, your insurance company will send an inspector or adjuster to your home to investigate and verify your claim. If the roof damage is determined to be all or in part from aging, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance, the damage may not be covered under your policy. . .even if it was weather or accident related!

3. Thoroughly Document Your Roof Damage Repair Claim

Keeping a set of “before” photos of your roof and exterior property is always wise. Update the photos whenever you have improvements, maintenance or repairs done. Then – after damage occurs – these can be submitted to your insurance company along with a set of “after” photos.

When you buy a home, always ask the seller for documentation showing the age of the roof installation. And keep any receipts anytime you have your roof replaced – in case the Age of the roof comes into question by your insurer.

4. Hire a Good Roof Damage Repair Contractor – Oakland County

Hiring an experienced roofing contractor – like Aaron’s Restoration – will also help ensure a smooth and hassle-free insurance claims process. We will provide a full roof inspection and provide you with the information and documentation your insurance company will need to assess what roof repair be covered, and to get you the maximum claims coverage under your policy.

We’ve repaired hundreds of roofs in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County!

An experienced roof repair contractor – like Aaron’s Restoration – knows what the insurance company is “looking for” when approving your insurance claim – and can provide it in a rapid, detailed and organized fashion, so there are no delays in processing your claim!