Groundwater Problems & Your Homeowners Policy

What your Homeowners Policy Doesn't Cover

The basic homeowners policy does not cover damage from water entering at or below the surface of the ground. Examples include sewer water that backs up into your home through the basement floor drain or water that seeps through your foundation from heavy rains. To be short and sweet: when water comes into a home at or below ground level, the resulting damage is NOT covered.

How to Protect Yourself

You can try to control the problem by installing a sump pump. You can also buy a battery backup for your pump which can be critical if there is a power outage or a large volume of water for your pump to handle.

From an insurance standpoint, you can purchase an endorsement to be added to your homeowners policy called Sewer Backup Coverage.

You can also consider Federal Flood Insurance. Contact your insurance agent for more information on this program. Be aware that Flood Insurance has a 30-day waiting period after it is purchased before a flood will be covered so plan ahead. Also personal property in a basement or area where all four walls are below ground is NOT covered by a flood policy.

What's a home inventory and why should I take one?

After tornados hit Massachusetts on June 1, 2011, many folks are in the process of rebuilding their homes and more importantly, their lives. And when dealing their insurance companies, they're asked to identify all those items that need to be replaced.

How can someone remember all the possessions they've amassed over the years and place values on them?

For those of us who have not had to deal with this problem first-hand as yet, we can learn a lesson from this: create a home inventory.

Start by making a list of your possessions, describing each item and noting where you bought it and its make and model. Count up each type of clothing item (pants, shirts, dresses, shoes, etc.) and make note of any valuable items. Gather up all receipts, appraisals and contracts you may have. Record the serial numbers for appliances and electronic equipment.

In addition to your list, you can take pictures of items, your closets and cupboards - or take the time to make a dvd while walking through your house or apartment.

We at McCurdy Insurance can also perform the inventory for you and store it at a different location. No matter which way you record all your possessions, be sure to store your lists, receipts and photos or dvds in a different location, whether a safety deposit box, a relative's home or at your workplace.