Sewer Backup vs. Plumbing Issues: My Experience
Recently, I faced a sewage backup in my basement. Fortunately, I was down there when I noticed water rising through the floor drains and eventually overflowing from the toilet. I quickly contacted the water department, and they dispatched someone within 15 minutes. The technician confirmed a blockage in the main line but needed to call in a specialized team to handle it. From my initial call to when the blockage was cleared, it took about 45 minutes to an hour, during which time my basement accumulated about 4-6 inches of black sewage water. Once it drained, I was left with a thick layer of sewage sludge covering the floor.
I filed a claim with my insurance (Progressive/Homesite) and luckily had a sewage backup endorsement with a $10,000 limit. However, given the extent of the damages, I was concerned it would exceed that amount. Fortunately, the adjuster classified the incident as a plumbing issue, which falls under my standard policy, meaning my full dwelling and personal property limits applied.
The technician from the water department provided details on how to file a claim with the township’s insurance, which I did. They finally reached out after a month. So far, my insurance has covered around $30,000, and I expect that number to rise to about $40,000 – $50,000 once everything is settled.
I have two questions. First, why did my insurance categorize this as a plumbing issue instead of a clear sewer backup? Second, if I involve the township’s insurance, could my insurance reclassify it as a sewer backup later and seek reimbursement?
I suspect that if the township’s insurance is involved, they might reimburse mine, but from what I’ve seen, they only cover personal belongings and not damages to the dwelling itself.
Right now, I’m considering not involving the township’s insurance and letting my own cover everything, even if it means a potential rate increase later on.
For context, I know of at least five other homes that experienced this sewer backup, so it wasn’t just my property affected. I’ve made it clear to the insurance that the blockage originated in the township’s main line and that they are responsible.
Thanks for your help!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds incredibly stressful. Let’s break down your questions:
Why did my insurance classify this as a plumbing issue when it seems like a textbook sewer backup?
Insurance policies can be complex, and the classification of claims often depends on the specific language of your policy and the circumstances of the event. A sewer backup typically involves issues originating from the municipal sewer system, while a plumbing issue might suggest a malfunction within your own plumbing. The adjuster’s decision could be influenced by the immediate cause of the backup being linked to a malfunction or blockage that aligns more closely with plumbing issues rather than the external sewer system. It might also be a way for the insurance company to provide broader coverage under your standard policy limits rather than the more limited sewer backup endorsement.
If I get the township’s insurance involved, is there a chance my insurance could go back and classify it as a sewer backup and then want their money back?
There is a possibility that if the township’s insurance is involved and they determine liability, your insurance might reassess the nature of the claim and argue that it should be classified as a sewer backup after all. If that happens, your insurer could potentially seek reimbursement from the township, depending on the outcome of their investigation. However, this doesn’t guarantee that your insurer will want their money back, especially if they have already settled your claim based on the plumbing classification.
Since you’re considering whether or not to involve the township’s insurance, it could be helpful to consult with your insurance adjuster or a legal advisor. They can provide more clarity on the implications of involving the township while helping you understand how it could affect your claim and future premiums.
If the township insurance covers personal property but not dwelling damage, it might still be worthwhile to pursue it if you can recover any costs, even if it’s just for personal items. However, weigh the possible benefits against the risk of complicating your ongoing claim with your insurer.
Good luck, and I hope this gets resolved quickly!