Essential Steps for Basement or Foundation Insurance Claims

First Things First: Emergency Needs

Basement flooding or foundation damage can be dangerous to your property and your family. Here are a few critical factors to consider as you start the recovery process.

• Electrical Hazards: Flooding means your electrical outlets and equipment could be underwater. Turn off the main circuit breaker and call an electrician. Do not enter the floodwaters.
• Natural Gas Leaks: Flooding can result in displaced and broken pipes, including natural gas pipes. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call the gas company.
• Structural Failures: Flooding damage could mean the foundation has shifted or collapsed. Don’t enter your home until you’re confident it is structurally sound.
• Sewage Backup: During a flood, the drainpipes can back up, bringing raw sewage into your home. Don’t wade into the floodwaters; call a plumber for assistance.

Insurance Claims: Critical Steps

Here are the critical steps in filing an insurance claim for basement flooding or foundation damage.

• Document the Damage: Write down everything that comes to mind. What happened? When did the damage occur? What exactly is damaged? Take photos of the damage to go with your extensive notes.
• Review Your Damage Assessment: Review the documentation, ideally with someone else looking over your shoulder. Make sure you capture all the damage. Revising an insurance claim after it is filed is tedious.
• Contact Your Insurer: Do this as soon as possible. Find your homeowner’s insurance policy number to help the agent determine your coverage. Describe what happened and the extent of the damage. They should also be able to fill you in on what is covered under the terms of your policy.
• File a Claim: This can typically be done online or via a smartphone app. Most policies cover dwelling and personal property damage separately. That usually requires filing separate claims. You may also need to gather receipts for your personal property to establish the amount of loss.
• Work with the Adjuster: The insurance company will assign an adjuster to visit your property, review the damage, and file a report. Your cooperation and participation will be essential to help their work.

After successful completion, the insurer will determine the claim payout, less the policy deductible. 

Insurance Coverage: Basement Flooding and Foundation Damage

Homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover flooding damage caused by internal sources. That includes burst pipes, a leaking water heater, and overflow from a sink, bathtub, broken washing machine, or dishwasher. 

Flooding or foundation damage caused by external sources such as heavy rain, storms, sinkholes, or mudslides are not usually covered. Instead, you’ll need supplemental insurance coverage or flood insurance.

Flood Insurance Coverage

You can purchase separate policies or, in some cases, add supplemental insurance coverage to your homeowner’s policy for flooding. You can also use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to map your property to determine flooding risks. This can help you access the National Flood Insurance Program. 

As just a couple of data points, 95,900 home and property owners in Virginia and 15,700 in Maryland have made claims through the FEMA flood insurance program since 2000. 

As further motivation, FEMA estimates that just one inch of water in a 2,500-square-foot one-story home can cause $23,635 in damage and $3,172 in damage to personal property.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

We certainly hope you’re reading this article to prepare for foundation problems rather than responding to flooding. To support your prevention efforts, we’ve created a Flood Prevention Checklist.

While you consider options for preventing basement flooding or foundation damage, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from the professionals at JES Foundation Repair. 

Contact us for a free inspection and repair estimate to identify any issues with your foundation, basement, or crawl space that need attention in preparation for heavy rains and flooding.

Contact JES Foundation Repair for a Free Inspection

If you need foundation repair or are unsure, contact JES Foundation Repair for a free inspection. We offer warranties and financing options to fit your budget. Trusting an expert will ease the stress during this challenging time. We’re here to help—call us today.

Foundation Repair FAQs

Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your foundation repair services? 

JES Foundation Repair is committed to providing reliable and durable solutions. We offer transferrable warranties on our services to ensure you can avail yourself of a safe and secure foundation for years to come. You can discuss the details further with our expert during the inspection visit. 

How often should I have my foundation inspected?

It is generally recommended to have your foundation inspected at least once every few years, especially if you notice any signs of foundation problems such as cracks in the walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that stick. Regular inspections can help identify any potential issues early on and prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. Additionally, if you live in an area with unstable soil or experience extreme weather conditions, more frequent inspections may be necessary. 

What other foundation repair solutions does JES Foundation Repair offer?

JES Foundation Repair offers a range of foundation repair solutions tailored to different types of foundation issues. Some of the solutions they provide include helical piers, slab piers, carbon fiber repairs, crawl space encapsulation, and basement waterproofing. Their team of experts will assess the specific needs of your foundation and recommend the most suitable solution. 

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for over 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.