There’s nothing worse than finding that flooded basement or leaky ceiling after a big storm. You may be looking at hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in damages! Yet when you go to file a claim with your insurance company, you get denied and are told to pay for everything out-of-pocket. How can this be? What’s the point of paying that expensive monthly premium?
The unfortunate reality is that although you may be covered for storm damage, you’re likely not covered for flood damage—and that’s because most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t include it. Turns out, in the eyes of your insurance company, there’s a big difference between water damage caused by storms and water damage caused by flooding.
Read on to learn what separates storm damage and flood damage, and how you can make sure you have the proper coverage in the event of bad weather.
Is Storm Damage the Same as Flood Damage? Understanding the Differences
What is Storm Damage?
Storm damage, or more specifically, water damage caused by storms, occurs when water enters your home through a storm-created opening. The event that causes the water damage has to be “sudden” and “accidental”.
This means water damage can occur from a severe thunderstorm, but not as a result of neglecting to repair your roof before heavy rain comes through. Luckily for you, storm damage is typically covered by your homeowners’ insurance (but not always, so be sure to double-check the exact details of your policy).
Pro tip: Another easy way to differentiate between storm and flood damage is that storm damage usually occurs before water comes in contact with the ground.
Examples of Storm Damage
It’s not always easy to determine storm damage from flood damage. Some examples of storm damage include:
- Your windows get broken by flying debris, and water pools on the ground
- Your roof starts to leak after shingles get knocked off during a storm
- Your walls get soaked after a fallen tree branch damages your siding
What is Flood Damage?
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) defines flooding as “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is the policyholder’s property).”
To put it a lot more simply, flood damage is caused by rising waters that originate from the ground up and then enter your property. This can be caused by tidal waters or the rapid accumulation of surface water from any source. Examples of flood “sources” include heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or overwhelmed drainage systems. So, although flooding can be a result of a storm, that still makes it flood damage, not storm damage.
It’s important to note that most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do NOT include coverage for flood damage. If you want to be protected against floods, you’ll have to purchase additional insurance coverage, also known as an add-on or rider. This is highly recommended for those living in areas with high flood risks, or those close to bodies of water or at the bottom of hills.
Examples of Flood Damage
It’s easy to mistake flood damage for storm damage. However, flood damage is water that accumulates on the ground and then, as a result, damages your property. Some examples include:
- Water from heavy rainfall pools in your basement and causes mold
- A nearby river overflows and damages your home’s foundation
- Mudflows caused by storms cause your porch to collapse
What Does This Mean for You, The Policyholder?
This means that if a storm damages your home and causes water to enter, the damage should be covered. However, if heavy rainfall causes your basement to flood, you’ll likely be paying for it out of pocket. This can feel frustrating, and understandably so—water damage is water damage, no matter what form it takes. Why am I not covered?
Well, that’s because your insurance provider doesn’t want to offer you comprehensive coverage. They’re a billion-dollar industry after all; they make their money by manipulating your insurance policy in a way that protects them from having to give you a settlement.
Should I Get Flood Insurance?
While it may not seem necessary to purchase flood insurance in Wisconsin, flooding is actually one of the state’s most common and costly disasters, resulting in nearly $72 million in damages annually. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just 6 inches of water can cause between $21,000 to $40,000 in damage.
That’s because water can quickly damage your floor, drywall, and insulation, requiring mold removal as well as full replacements. That means, if you live in a flood-prone area, it may be worth it to consider flood insurance, especially around the springtime. Most flood insurance policies are backed by the federal government, though you can purchase them through many major insurers.
What Should I Do in the Event of Water Damage?
Regardless of whether you’ve experienced storm or flood damage, there are a few things you should do to protect yourself and your property.
- Document the damage: Safely take photos and videos of the damaged area, as well as any affected belongings. It may help to take notes so you can remember small details and organize your thoughts.
- Prevent further damage: Without altering the scene too much, take steps to prevent further damage. This can include moving undamaged valuables, hanging tarps, or removing excess water.
- Contact your insurance provider: You’ll want to let your insurance provider know that damage has occurred on your property. They’ll probably ask for some initial details, so be prepared to give an overview of what happened.
- Review your policy: You’re going to want to look over your policy to see if you have the right coverage. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to contact an insurance representative.
- Consider hiring a public adjuster: If your insurance provider denies coverage, that doesn’t mean you can’t fight back. A public adjuster will help you file an appeal, and they’ll know what to do to get you a rightful settlement. (Plus, they only get paid if you do!)
Have You Suffered From Flood or Storm Damage? Then Contact Fortitude Today!
If you do end up suffering damages or property loss caused by flooding or storms, you have to try to figure out coverage on your own. At Fortitude Public Adjusters, we are available to help you navigate the complicated ins and outs of the claims process and get you the money you deserve.
Simply give us a call at (844) 383-3473, or fill out our form to get started on your free consultation.
