Sump Pump Failure Claims Denied if Pump Doesn’t Pass Inspection

Flood Insurance Does Not Cover Sump Pump Failure

For Midwest homeowners adding flood insurance is common practice, but they might not know that neither flood insurance nor a homeowner’s policy covers sump pump failure. Sump pump failure riders or endorsements are available, but even they won’t protect against sump pump failure if the post-flood inspection finds the pump wasn’t maintained properly.

Sump Pump Riders Don’t Cover Damage if Pump is Not Maintained Properly

When submitting an insurance claim for sump pump failure, claims adjusters look for ways to prove your due diligence so they can prove your case to underwriters. Your pump will be inspected. If it isn’t found to be in good working order or you failed to keep it operational, your claim could be denied based on improper, or lack of, maintenance. You could also face an insurance premium increase.

What is Proof of Proper Maintenance?

Having your pump regularly inspected and maintained by professional plumbers like Anthony Plumbing, Heating & Cooling eliminates sump pump operational issues, and gives you the proof for insurance companies that the pump was inspected by a professional.  Maintenance is critical to a sump pump’s function. But even a properly maintained pump can fail at any time due to age or inactivity, so regular inspections are needed.

Does My Sump Pump Need a Battery Back Up to Satisfy Insurance Companies?

Even the best maintained pumps will cease to run during power outages typical of Midwest storms, therefore battery backup sump pumps are needed as well. Not only do battery backup sump pumps act as added “insurance” during power outages, but they also help carry the load of the regular sump pump if it is unable to pump water quickly enough during heavier rains.  If you have a Sump Pump rider with your insurance company, call them and clarify whether your sump pump has to have a battery backup in order for water damage claims to be paid.

Sump Pump Failure Claims are a Big Burden to Insurance Companies, and They Will Try to Avoid Paying Them

The reason insurance companies will try to avoid paying sump pump failure claims is because of the tremendous financial cost attributed to them. Fixing the damage caused by an indoor flood is a complicated and time-consuming process. Besides the repair or replacement of the sump pump, several steps must be taken before and after the repair to get your home back to normal. All electrical items in the vicinity of the flood will have to be unplugged, and if they cannot be accessed safely, the main electrical supply will have to be shut off. Then a water extraction service may have to be contracted to remove standing water before repairs can begin.

After standing water is extracted, damage to floors, walls and household items must be repaired. Flooring, furniture and electronics that cannot be repaired will have to be replaced, and irreplaceable keepsakes that are damaged may be lost forever. Then the moisture remaining even after the standing water has been removed must be eradicated, by opening windows, running fans and setting up dehumidifiers. Finally, homes must be tested for mold and mildew growth that the invasive water may have caused, and replacement of drywall and insulation might be needed to stop the spread of mold and mildew throughout the home.

Automated Flood Detection Cell Phone Alerts are Extra Insurance

Installing an automated flood detection and prevention system to your home is an easy and affordable way to receive alerts on your cell phone or tablet when flooding starts while you are sleeping or away from home. Flood prevention systems utilize water sensors placed near sump pumps and other water sources that activate an automated system when water is detected sending alerts to your phone, emitting an audible alarm, and providing an electronic water main valve shut-off feature that engages automatically or allows you to do it remotely.  The home automation experts at Anthony Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can install our Water Guardian system, which will equip your home with water sensors that will alert you of a possibly failing sump pump.

Don’t Take Chances, Call Us Today

The professional plumbers at Anthony Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can take the guesswork out of your Sump Pump Maintenance and handle all your Indoor Flood Prevention and Plumbing needs. For more information Call A-N-T-H-O-N-Y (268-4669) KS or MO 913-268-4669. www.AnthonyPHC.com.  And check our Coupons page for specials on sump pump inspections and replacement at www.AnthonyPHC.com/Coupons/.