GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – Communities across northeast Wisconsin are dealing with the aftermath of severe weather that brought heavy rain, rising rivers, and flooding.
As cleanup continues, homeowners are facing a reality: Standard insurance policies may not cover the damage left behind.
Green Bay resident Daniel Wagner has been cleaning up his basement after heavy rainfall across northeast Wisconsin.
“I was surprised it was as high as it was. It was kind of at the ground level. I thought that was kind of impressive, it’s almost like a little swimming pool down there now,” Wagner said. “It’s going to be a lot of pumping, and then I’m going to get some big fans in there and dry it out. It’s going to be a big job, but it will probably take a couple of days to get it all clean.”
Insurance coverage
Insurance agent David Delain said his company has seen an increase in claims due to flooding and sump pump failures, with homeowners finding out that standard insurance doesn’t include flooding.
“If it’s water just seeping in, coming in through a window well, that’s probably not going to be a covered peril unless it’s a big enough one and they’ve got the flood insurance,” said Delain, owner of Delain Insurance Agency.
Flood insurance is an add-on and can cost an average of $1,000 to $2,000, depending on factors like the property location, the way the home was built, and whether it’s in a flood zone.
“We strongly recommend the backup of the sewer drain and the sump pump coverage. That’s a critical one. And your home, make sure that the dollar levels that you have are high enough. Look to see do you have a comprehensive form of coverage or adjust the name to peril? Because that will make a big difference also on it,” Delain said.
Mold concerns
As cleanup continues, companies like PuroClean say it’s important to call on professionals to do a moisture check at no cost. Mold can begin to grow in about 48 to 72 hours, creating unhealthy environments.
“Anything that’s under flooring. So, your subfloors, your things like that. If your insulation gets wet behind your exterior walls, you’re going to have microbial growth start there. So that could rot from the outside in, and you’ll never know about it,” said Brandon Peronto, manager of PuroClean Green Bay.
Vehicle damage
Insurance agents want to remind drivers that even with comprehensive coverage, driving through high flood water could result in a claim being denied.
“Normally, if it’s in a place and it’s parked or whatever, and that area of floods, that’s going to be covered under comprehensive. Otherwise, it may not be covered. And that will vary by company and how they view it. So it will vary,” Delain said.
Insurance agents recommend checking sump pumps by putting water in the sump pit, running dehumidifiers, taking pictures of any damage, and contacting adjusters immediately.
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Clinton Mora is a reporter for Trending Insurance News. He has previously worked for the Forbes. As a contributor to Trending Insurance News, Clinton covers emerging a wide range of property and casualty insurance related stories.