(WFSB) – If your home or car was flooded in Sunday’s flooding, or you’ve ever found yourself in such a situation, the I-Team talked to experts about what to do.
Flooding at home
Most home insurance policies won’t cover the damage. You’ll usually need separate flood insurance to cover everything. Before you do anything, turn off all house utilities, especially electricity, and assess structural damage before going back inside. Have a professional inspection done if you’re unsure if it’s safe. If the water line is above the electrical outlets, call an electrician to make sure everything is safe before you proceed. Take any valuables with you. You should also drain the water from your home, get anything wet out of the house, and increase ventilation to dry out your home to avoid mold or mildew. Experts say this needs to be done within 24 to 48 hours, including carpet, furniture, books, and walls.
Document the flood damage with photos and videos when filing an insurance claim. Keep all receipts for cleanup. Contact your insurance company(s) to file your claim immediately.
You can also use this documentation to file a FEMA claim. Click here to apply.
Experts say it’s still worth calling and seeing if your insurance company can save you money even if you don’t have flood insurance. You may have water backup or sewage pump insurance, or you may want to get such insurance if you don’t already have it.
Insurance agent Heidi Summa of William Raveis says you should look into flood insurance even if you don’t live in a flood zone. “The cleanup costs to pump out the water and dry it out will definitely be covered. Your basement equipment is usually covered by the building’s insurance of the flood insurance,” Summa says.
However, she said you may be covered if you believe you suffered damage from the storm and rain. “If there was other damage from the storm and rain, if your roof or siding was damaged from the storm and rain, you may be covered by your building insurance,” Summa says. But with flood insurance, there is a 15 or even 30-day waiting period, so if you take it out tomorrow, it won’t kick in immediately.
Even if there is no damage, Summa says you do not necessarily have to make an insurance claim.
She says she personally would not make a claim for amounts under $5,000.
Flooding in the car:
As a result of the flooding, many cars were stranded or submerged.
If your car has been flooded, the first thing you should do is clean everything out of your car to avoid mold and mildew. Use towels to dry the seats and floor mats as best as possible.
If water gets into the engine, do not start the car. Have it towed to a repair shop, otherwise the engine could become blocked.
If your car insurance only includes liability insurance, this won’t work.
You need comprehensive insurance, says Heidi Summa. “It’s very cheap and covers fire, flood, water damage, falling objects and theft. You should definitely have it in your insurance coverage, even if it’s older,” says Summa.
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