Soil Erosion & Water Damage – Are You Covered?

​In South Florida, there are certain times of the year when rains are heavy and constant.  When you own a residential or commercial property, you have a responsibility to protect the property, and maintain it to prevent property damage.
 
Sudden and accidental events happen frequently, but if you maintain your property, the likelihood of damage occurring is lessened.
 
We received a call from a woman who had water damage in her master bedroom, closet, and another bedroom.  She was unsure of where the water was coming from and needed help.
 
What’s Causing The Damage?
When we arrived, the homeowner showed us the damage.  There were visible signs of water damage to the floors, baseboards, and walls. My infrared camera showed quite a bit of moisture in these areas.
 
The bathroom was located across the hall and away from these two rooms. There was no active leak or moisture, so we ruled out a plumbing leak.
 
We inspected the ceilings and found that there weren’t any water stains, nor did the camera pick up any moisture. The property owner confirmed that the damage they found was isolated to the lower portion of the rooms.
 
Investigate, Investigate, Investigate
The bedrooms are located at the rear of the home.  We went outside to the back and side of the property and found quite a bit of soil erosion. The grass was also gone in those areas, exposing the foundation.
 
There was a drainage ditch at the rear of their property line, and we confirmed the water never rose high enough to enter their yard or come close to their home.
 
I looked up to the roof line and saw they did not have gutters on the sides or rear of their home.  They owned the property for 10 years, so every time it rained, the water poured off the roof and pounded the ground below causing the grass and soil to wash away over time.
 
The ground in those areas is hardened, and there is no drainage, and the water could not soak into the ground. Rainwater then pooled at the foundation and seeped into their home. 
 
Is The Damage Covered?
Although the property owner kept saying her home was flooded when it rained, soil erosion nor rain, is a covered cause of loss in her homeowner’s insurance policy, so the ensuing damages are not covered.
 
Had the damage been caused by an actual flood, her flood insurance would have covered the damage.  Flood is a rising/flowing body of water that submerges land, and the water enters the property from the exterior.
 
Not all damage is covered in your insurance policy. You must read and understand your insurance coverage to make an informed decision on the right policy and coverage.
 
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle any property damage insurance claim. If you have a new or underpaid insurance claim, we are here to help. Contact us today.