Water damage insurance claims in Detroit, MI

Flood, sewer backup, or burst pipe

FEMA says standard homeowners policies generally don't cover flooding. Flood coverage comes from a separate policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program. Sewage backing up through a drain is often a separate add-on too: the City of Detroit's handbook says most basement flood damage isn't covered unless you carry flood insurance and a sewage backup rider.

A sudden pipe break is usually treated differently from both. Read your policy, or ask your agent which of the three your house is covered for, before the next storm.

What NFIP flood insurance covers in a basement

FEMA says NFIP basement coverage is limited: cleanup costs and equipment that serves the building, such as the furnace, water heater and pumps, but not finished walls, floors and ceilings or the contents of a finished basement. Building coverage for a single-family home goes up to $250,000, contents to $100,000.

There's a 30-day waiting period after you apply and pay before the policy takes effect, so it has to be in place well before a storm.

The adjuster checklist

• Report the loss to your insurer right away. Ready.gov's flood claims checklist says an adjuster should contact you within 48 hours.
• Photograph the outside, every room, and the water line on the walls.
• Write down make, model and serial numbers of damaged appliances.
• Don't throw anything out before the adjuster sees it unless it's a health hazard; if you must, keep a sample of the carpet or flooring.
• Keep a log of every call and every receipt. NFIP proof of loss is due within 60 days of the flood.

Sewage-soaked materials are a health hazard. Photograph them and get the cleanup going. If sewage came up from the city sewer, file the DWSD claim too.

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