Sump Pump Failure and Why You Need Insurance

Posted on , updated on by chris
Sump Pump

When it comes to protecting your home and belongings, we can customize a plan that’s right for you and your family.

We’ve all heard stories about basements flooding – they’re devastating. Taking preventative measures against flooding is highly recommended and can help in some cases. But unfortunately, flooding is often the result of something much bigger than us – Mother Nature. Having the right coverage in place can give you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your home and belongings. Sump pump failure coverage is an optional add-on to your homeowners insurance policy.

Read on to learn if this additional coverage is right for you.

Sump Pump Failure Coverage

Sump pump failure almost always leads to costly water damage. A failed sump pump leads to a backed-up drain which eventually overflows into your home. The end result – expensive repairs. Our sump pump failure protection is designed to mitigate the cost of those repairs. This coverage isn’t automatically included in your homeowners policy but can be easily added. This additional coverage will only cost you a fraction of what it would cost to repair or replace any water-damaged items in your home.

Sump pump coverage gives you an added layer of protection that you won’t get with your regular homeowners policy.

Homeowners without a finished lower level may not see the value in having this added coverage, although it’s still recommended. If you do have a finished basement, safeguard your investment with customized protection in the event your sump pump fails and water overflows.

Weather Related Sump Pump Failure

We face heavy rain every year – and every year, someone’s sump pump fails. It’s normal for your sump pump to run constantly after a downfall, but make sure you stay vigilant. There are several signs to watch for when it comes to sump pump failure:

  • Strange noises
  • Vibrates when running
  • Runs for a long time
  • Irregular cycling
  • Motor failure
  • Frequent power outages

Keeping a watchful eye on your sump pump can aid in catching system-related issues before they lead to total failure. However, sump pump failure can happen seemingly out of the blue. Rather than taking your chances with it, you may opt to add sump pump protection to your existing policy. That way, in the event you have major water damage due to sump pump failure, you’ll be covered.

Risk Factors

If you’re still uncertain whether or not sump pump coverage is necessary, here are some potential risk factors to keep in mind.

  • Old Sump Pump: If your sump pump is more than seven years old and has yet to be replaced, you run the risk of system failure. Be sure to check your sump pump regularly, and don’t wait for it to fail before you replace it.
  • Living in a Rainy Area: Heavy rain puts your sump pump to work – as it should. But when your sump pump runs constantly, there’s always a risk of it burning out and potentially failing. Sump pump coverage is highly recommended to anyone living in rainy areas.

Preventative Measures

As previously stated, sump pump failure can happen unexpectedly – even with newer systems. Oftentimes, heavy rain and power outages are the culprits. Having sump pump coverage is the ultimate form of protection, but it’s still important to keep in mind the recommended preventative measures:

  • Have a portable generator on hand.
  • Have a second sump pump installed.
  • Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging and overflowing.
  • Having window well covers installed to prevent rain from getting in.
  • Make sure your landscaping slopes away from your house.

There are plenty of other steps you can take to help protect your home against flooding. With that said, it’s important to remember that flooding can and does happen – usually when you least expect it. Above all else, having protection in place in the event your home floods will ultimately bring you the most peace of mind.

For more information on adding sump pump coverage to your existing policy, costs, and more, be sure to give us a call. Our team is ready to answer your questions and create a customized solution that’s right for you. Give us a call today and stay tuned for future blog posts!