Title: Navigating Insurance Denial After Basement Flooding in Chicago: A Renter’s Perspective
Recently, I experienced a sudden and distressing flooding incident in my rented basement apartment in Chicago, and I wanted to share my story to shed light on the challenges renters face when dealing with insurance claims.
Here are the key details:
- Tenant Status: Renter
- Property Type: Fully furnished basement “garden level” unit
- Lease Duration: Two months
- Date of Incident: July 7th, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM
- Insurance Provider: Assurant
The incident occurred unexpectedly, jolting me awake as water rapidly entered my living space. The property owner’s official report confirmed that the water was sewage-related, originating from toilets. This situation rendered my unit uninhabitable, forcing me to find alternative accommodations.
However, my insurer’s response was disappointing. They cited specific policy exclusions, particularly focusing on water damage caused by flooding—defined in their policy as including storm surges, tidal waves, or overflow from bodies of water. According to their interpretation, sewage water damage does not qualify as a covered peril under my policy, and consequently, they are denying the claim.
The insurer also mentioned that since the damage is deemed to be caused by a non-covered peril, they will not provide coverage for additional living expenses. They advised me to refer to the policy language, which explicitly excludes flood-related damages from coverage.
This situation has left me without a home, and I’ve incurred substantial costs—over $2,000 for hotel stays—as I scramble to find temporary shelter. The property owner’s insurance has deemed the unit uninhabitable, but my insurance policy does not seem to offer support in this critical moment.
I’ve reached out for assistance and am hopeful to find guidance or support to navigate this complex insurance landscape. If you have experience with similar cases or insights into how renters can effectively handle insurance denials in flood-related scenarios, I would deeply appreciate your advice.
My goal is to prevent homelessness in the immediate future and understand if there are any avenues I might pursue for recourse or additional support.
Thank you for taking the time to read my experience, and I welcome any suggestions or resources you can share.
