Lines form for residents disposing of water damaged property
Collection sites in Milwaukee had lines for residents waiting to dispose of water damaged property.
- Insurance companies have been fielding a surge in claims from widespread flooding and storm damage over the weekend
- It’s unclear how many claims will be granted, since flood damage generally isn’t covered by homeowners policies and flood insurance comes as a separate policy
- President Donald Trump would need to declare a disaster to trigger federal disaster relief from FEMA
Insurance companies have been fielding thousands of claims from southeast Wisconsin residents and businesses hit hard by historic rainfall that led to widespread flooding and sewer backups over the weekend.
In Wauwatosa, some residents along the Menomonee River were forced to evacuate their homes in the early hours of Aug. 10. Others across Milwaukee and its suburbs were caught on low-lying streets, their cars overtaken by rising floodwaters. Still others woke up to find inches, or even feet, of water in their basements.
In some parts of the Milwaukee area, more than 10 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, culminating in flooding that meteorologists have classified as a 1,000-year event.
State Farm had received nearly 2,500 storm-related claims as of Aug. 11, spokesperson Tom Hartmann said.
Erie Insurance reported a “surge in claim volume,” primarily in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, mostly related to water damage caused by flooding and sewer and drain backups, said Robert Lee, a spokesperson.
Allstate did not provide a number of claims, but spokesperson Tanya Robinson said most claims were for fallen trees, wind-damaged roofs and siding, interior leaks and flooded vehicles.
West Bend Insurance Company said in a statement that it was deploying additional claims staff and working extended hours to make sure members get help promptly.
Neither Acuity Insurance nor American Family Insurance responded to inquiries from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about storm-related claims.
It’s unclear how many claims will be covered by insurance companies.
Homeowners and renters insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage. Generally, flood insurance is a separate policy that covers damage to a person’s home and belongings.
Most households in Wisconsin do not have flood insurance, according to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, or OCI.
For sewer backups, neither homeowners insurance nor flood insurance typically covers damage from this, according to OCI. A special add-on to your homeowners policy is required for this coverage.
Milwaukee-area residents still were not eligible for federal disaster relief as of Aug. 13.
Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency the day following the storms, on Aug. 11.
That is a crucial step in the process to receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Managment Agency, or FEMA. Ultimately, President Donald Trump must declare a disaster to trigger a federal response and allow agencies like FEMA to step in and allocate resources.
On Aug. 13, Evers went another step forward in the process. He announced he was submitting a request to FEMA for help formally assessing the damage caused by the storms. Damage must exceed a certain threshold to qualify for federal aid. State officials believe the formal assessment will confirm that.
Governors can request the president make a federal disaster declaration. That declaration would clear the way for FEMA to provide aid to people whose property damage wasn’t covered by insurance.
Those who encounter any issues with their insurance agent, adjuster or company are encouraged to contact the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance with any questions or to file a complaint. They may contact OCI at (800) 236-8517 or visit oci.wi.gov/complaints for more information.
Reporters Natalie Eilbert, Cailey Gleeson and Maia Pandey, of the Journal Sentinel, contributed to this report.
Sarah Volpenhein can be reached by email at svolpenhei@gannett.com or by phone at 414-607-2159.
Alice J. Roden started working for Trending Insurance News at the end of 2021. Alice grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. A writer with a vast insurance industry background Alice has help with several of the biggest insurance companies. Before joining Trending Insurance News, Alice briefly worked as a freelance journalist for several radio stations. She covers home, renters and other property insurance stories.