The Truth About Flooding:Sump Pump, Drain and Sewer Overflow Damage
New Jersey Flood Insurance
In the past few years, New Jersey has been affected by an increasing number of large storms. We’ve seen many customers suffer damage to their homes caused by their sump pump failing and by outright flooding. As such, we are now suggesting that all Garden State homeowners carry NJ flood insurance or increase their sump pump overflow coverage, particularly if they have a finished basement.
Nearly all home insurance does not cover flood damage, and sump or sewer backup coverage is limited.
This post will focus on: sewer overflow, sump pump overflow and drain overflow.
Sump Pump Overflow Damage
Sump pump overflow coverage does not come automatically on most policies. Except on very high end policies, it needs to be added by your agent. Most companies limit the amount of coverage.
Sump Pump Overflow Coverage
Sump pump overflow coverage provides you with coverage in the following circumstances:
- If you have a sump pump in your basement and you lose power
- If your sump fails due to mechanical reasons
- The sump overwhelmed by the volume of water caused by hydrostatic pressure
- A drain in your basement overflows
- A toilet or sewer line backs up into your basement
This coverage will pay for damage to your building, contents, and for cleanup and sanitation.
All policies include a “concurrent causation” clause which states that if there are conditions of general flooding around the house the coverage will not respond. Companies may also impose other restrictions based upon their exact contract language and the style of policy you have, so be sure to check with your agent to understand how your coverage works before disaster strikes.
Other posts in our Truth About Flooding series:
