Sump Pump Losses

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Pictured is an actual sump pump caught in the act of victimizing a local homeowner.

We see them all the time: significant storm events.  It may be surprising to many homeowners that the most common damage in our area is caused, not by leaky windows or roofs, but by a sump pump failure.  Whether it is due to temporary loss of electricity, or just the inability of the pump to function correctly, homeowners with a sump pump can sometimes experience a water damage.  Add in a finished basement, that could be a recipe for a lot of damage!  "And if you have a cut-rate insurance company policy, you could be paying for the repairs yourself."

So if you want to avoid mayhem, here are a few things you can do to protect yourself:

1) Speak to your insurance agent or provider to see about adding coverage to your policy specific to sump pumps.  Many times, it is very low-cost to add this coverage, but insurance agents do not include it automatically.  You don't want to find out after the damage!

2) While you will be anxious to get your property fixed, many times insurance coverage is limited on sump pump damage.  Therefore, you may want to get an estimate first.  The restoration company may need to see the property in-person to provide an accurate estimate, and this will surely delay the drying process, but it may ultimately save you dollars and cents.

So to sum up, make sure that you check your policy for coverage on sump pumps so that your insurance provider helps you with the repairs.  And also be sure that you contact a reputable restoration company that is willing to provide you an estimate up front, like SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem!