Hello!
A couple of weeks ago we had a sewage backup in our basement. I contacted insurance and got things sorted. They came in and cleared and cleaned everything so that part is all good!
Now I’m starting to claim personal items that have been touched by the backup. Some things I know 100% have to be claimed and that’s fine, however some items I think would be fine by just sanitizing it, i.e. metal drum cymbal stands that the metal could be wiped down with a sanitizing cloth.
I was ready to not bother claiming any of that type of stuff, but after talking to my dad he said that if the sewer backup touched absolutely anything that I was able to and should claim it, even if it could be sanitized. He said that the insurance company would try to talk me out of claiming that type of thing, but that they are liable to cover it.
Is this true? Should I claim these items even though I could potentially just sanitize them?
Posted by Drummler777
3 Comments
Your insurance will repair or replace any property damaged by a covered peril. Per your example, shit water isn’t really gonna damage a metal symbol. If, however, a few months later, it starts to rust(pretty sure they have coatings to prevent this right?), then you could attempt to claim it as it has visual damage.
From personal experience: start shopping for other homeowner policies now. There is a good chance that you will not be renewed at the end of the current insurance period because of this claim. I know you have a lot to deal with right now, but I would have preferred to have had more than the months’ notice that it was happening.
Also check your policy. There may be a special limit if this damage falls under “sump and water backup.” Usually anywhere from 5K to 25K.