Garage’s flooded
 

It’s been a couple of rough days. We had a water main break a couple of blocks away. Basement flooded about three feet, both garages flooded about a foot. It was like a river running through the sides of my house. Surprised the water wasn’t higher in the basement.
Anyway the place is a wreck and my insurance company told me to pound sand, they said it was the water companies fault and the policy doesn’t cover flooding. The water company has a restoration company that is starting to get things going, but they are worn thin. They report to the water company and I don’t have my insurance company behind me to move things along or back me up.
I’ve talked to them and they are going to make things right in the basement, but I need to get onto addressing the cars. I’ve got three Porsches in one garage, and six motorcycles strewn about. Not that worried about the bikes, I’m pretty sure a foot of water that’s clean really shouldn’t do much…..
I only have one of the Porsches covered. I’ve got a truck and a sedan that are totaled in the street that are covered, but haven’t heard a peep since I made a claim on those.
Any suggestions? I’ve been run ragged the last few days, helping neighbors and trying to clean up, so I haven’t had much time to think about it…. Thanks, Ed

I'd have an attorney check your property insurance policy.

I would think flooding from a act of nature is different than a leaking water main. I take it you’re not in a flood zone, so flood insurance is not required.

Who’s your insurance company and I would lawyer up.

Ins companies will do everything they can to not pay, including lying (I mean, making a mistake).

It wouldn't hurt to check with a lawyer.

Do you have an insurance broker you can meet with? Who's your insurance company? This is more similar to a bad pipe flood inside your home than a flood. Sorry to hear this, sounds like a huge hassle.

My insurance broker was surprised that they (Safeco) denied the claim too. My neighbors policy, State Farm, is taking care of things, no questions.

Wow. Saw some pics on the news.

Suspect you saw this? https://www.denverwater.org/main-break-help

Flood is a separate policy, no Homeowners Insurance covers flood. You state the water company has a restoration company cleaning your property? One way or another you need to mitigate damage. Even if you had coverage, you have a responsibility to mitigate damage, don't waste time, get the bikes and cars to a serviced and cleaned ASAP. Tomorrow take bookoo photos, video before they are moved. Call in your own restoration company if need be, Save all receipts. Write a letter to the water company you sustained damage, list as best you can what that damage is, send it certified return receipt.

You can not have enough photos, video. Anything that appears damaged beyond repair put someplace so it can be inspected, do not throw it out.

Feel free to PM we can talk.

EDIT: What does this mean? Are they cleaning your house? "The water company has a restoration company that is starting to get things going,"

Your broker isn't going to bat for you?

The restoration company just left, pretty beat …. They set up some dehumidifiers in the basement, let my dog out, chased her around the neighborhood, etc. I’ll get back with my broker, sounds like I need my insurance company behind me. It’s been pretty hectic, I need to regroup and get A plan together. The previous poster about uninsured belongings will not be sufficient, and from talking to the reps, they expect to be writing a significant check.
I have to get back to work tomorrow. I miss hot water

The first thing you should do is pump out the water that's in there now.

(I assume you are but I thought I would write that anyway)

A neighbor of mine had an argument with his insurance company because of the direction his fence was pushed over by flood water. Had it been pushed the other way they would have covered his damages. :rolleyes:

Lawyer. I'd start analyzing facts and drawing conclusions and offering advice, but it would be worthless to you. A Lawyer will study the facts, and compare them to the law. We train them for this, and their communications with insurance companies are more effective than ours. There are times when we should save money on legal fees. This is not one of them.

Take lots of photos. document the water line.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1651095786.jpg