my basement was flooded. i have a fire dept. run report which says when the city workers cleared debris from the storm drains that the water around my home receded. if i had flood insurance would it pay off if they saw this fire dept. report. the city denies any negligence. i think even if i had flood insurance it wouldn't pay off with what the fire dept. run report states. any answers??????/

3edna

i am new to this this sight. this is 3dna. ballengerb1 i watched the water rise and come through an empty lot that the city owns. the water came around the back of my house and down the basement entrance. i watched as the basement entrance wall collapsed and shoved the door in. i took my dog and left. once the water receded my basement also receded thru the drain in the floor over a period of time.

N0help4u

You need to get your proof together. Get a statement from the fire department and do like nikosmom said.

ballengerb1

Storm drains would be rain water and debris while sewer would be raw sewage, much worse damage caused by different circumstances. Hey 3edna, you still out there? Come back and give us more details. If you talk to your insurance talk with your agent not a claims adjuster just yet.

nikosmom

I'm only clarifying that the person is only "charged" with a claim if something is paid out by the insurance company. It doesn't count against the policyholder if it is denied and nothing is paid out. Yes, the agent would have to file the claim in order for the case to be reviewed by a claims rep. The OP won't be able to get a direct answer until a claims rep fully assesses the situation to make that decision. But the OP won't be affected negatively for simply filing because worst case scenario- it's denied.

I definitely agree that the OP needs to call their agent to see exactly what the policy covers and if there are any endorsements on the policy to cover damage resulting from the backup of sewers and drains. This is an optional coverage but the OP's agent can clarify if he/she has this on their policy.

N0help4u

She said '' i think even if i had flood insurance''
I always heard that either you had flood insurance or you didn''t and you would know because it is a separate thing you have to ask for.

nikosmom

Yes, actually it's a completely separate policy.

The endorsement I referred to (Backup of Sewer & Drains) is added to a homeowners policy for an additional fee. Some people have it and don't even remember adding it (because the additional charge is so minimal- like $25 per year).