Spring is Here! Time to Prep the Basement......

This past winter was certainly one to remember and one that brought with it a new vocabulary phrase: "Polar Vortex"! With Spring finally arriving, we have different concerns than frozen pipes and ice dams. Here at Absolute Insurance, we understand the risks associated with bad weather on your home and want to remind everyone to check your sump-pump to ensure it is still operational after this harsh winter. Also, check your home insurance to make sure you have Back-up coverage.

Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains is an optional endorsement on a standard home insurance policy. This endorsement provides coverage in the event of water or sewage backing up through the drains or in the event of sump pump failure. This is important as none of these are covered perils on a standard policy. Many companies will not allow a client to add this coverage during the policy term but it can be added at the time of renewal. Other companies will have a 30 day waiting period before the coverage takes effect.

The coverage provided is broad in nature and will cover contents, structural damage, and clean up. Some companies have different deductibles for this type of coverage other than the Named Perils deductible shown on the Declaration page of your Home Insurance Policy. There are some companies, however, that maintain the same deductible across the board.

Contact your Absolute Agent for further coverage questions and deductible options if you already have the Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains endorsement in place. As always though, it is far better to prevent these situations then dealing with them down the road.

You've Got Some Q's: We've Got the A's

Q:  My wife lost her wedding ring while we were on vacation.  Is this covered under my house insurance?

A:  No.  It would have to be stolen in order to be covered UNLESS it was scheduled on the home policy as "Scheduled Personal Property"


Q:  A tree has landed on my house and has caused damage to my home.  Will insurance replace the tree?

A:  No.  Home insurance protects your home and detached structures.  Trees are not covered.


Q:  My vehicle was broken into and personal property was stolen, is this covered under my full coverage auto insurance?

A:  No.  Only items that were attached to the vehicle as stock items are covered.  Personal property losses would only be covered under a home, renters, condo/townhome, or mobile home policy.  Auto insurance never covers personal property.


Q:  Water came up through my sewer drain and destroyed my roommate's belongings.  Will my homeowners insurance cover this?

A:  No.  Your home insurance will cover only those things belonging to you or a family member.  Unless you have Water Back-up coverage, your home insurance would not even cover your belongings.  In this situation, your roommate would need to get a renters insurance policy to cover their belongings in an event of a loss, and in this situation, they would also need to have the renters insurance policy endorsed with the Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains coverage in order to be protected.

Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains

As spring rolls in to an already saturated Iowa, make sure you know your risk for Water Back-up of Drains.

Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains is an optional endorsement on a standard home insurance policy that provides coverage in the event of water or sewage backing up through the drains or in the event of sump pump failure.  Neither of which are covered perils on a standard home insurance policy.

Typically, the cost for this coverage ranges between $40-$80 per year per $5,000 in coverage and some companies require that a sump pump be present in order to secure this type of coverage.  Also, many companies will not allow a current client to add the coverage during the term of the policy.  In these cases, it can be added at the time of renewal.  Other companies will have a 30 day waiting period before the coverage takes effect after the endorsement is issued.

The coverage provided is broad in nature and will cover contents, structural damage, and clean up.  Some companies have different deductibles for this type of coverage from the Named Perils deductible that shows on the Declaration page of your Home Insurance Policy.  There are some companies, however, that maintain the same deductible across the board.  Contact your Absolute Agent for further coverage questions and deductible options if you already have the endorsement in place.