Water damage and Insurance
As owners and operators of senior living facilities, you understand the importance of protecting your properties and residents. Today, we’d like to discuss a crucial aspect of your insurance coverage: water damage protection.
Recent events like Hurricane Debby have highlighted the devastating impact of water-related incidents. You must understand that your property policy does not automatically cover all water damage. Let’s break down five scenarios where your insurance typically provides coverage:
- Flood Insurance: Standard property policies usually don’t include flood coverage. Therefore, for senior living facilities, especially those in flood-prone areas, we strongly recommend purchasing separate flood insurance. The coverage you need depends on your FEMA flood zone classification.
- Sewer and Drain Backup: Standard policies typically exclude sewer and drain backup, but you can add coverage through an endorsement. Consequently, given the potential health risks to your residents, this coverage is especially important for senior living facilities.
- Fire Suppression System Discharge: Most policies cover water damage from sprinkler system malfunctions. This is crucial for facilities with extensive fire suppression systems.
- Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning System Failures: Insurance generally covers sudden leaks or ruptures; however, it does not cover long-term issues. Regular maintenance of these systems is vital in senior living environments.
- Weather-Related Damage: Many people often misunderstand this. Coverage applies when a covered peril, such as wind, damages the building’s exterior and allows water to enter.Proper building maintenance is key to preventing uncovered water intrusion.
Insurers typically do not cover water intrusion caused by poor maintenance or gradual deterioration. For senior living facilities, this underscores the need for rigorous maintenance programs to protect both your property and your residents. We often see this issue cited in claims involving roofs.
Insurers generally exclude water damage caused by ground seepage from coverage. This is particularly relevant for facilities with basement levels or those in areas with high water tables.
As your insurance partners, we recommend:
- Regularly reviewing your coverage to ensure it meets your facility’s specific needs.
- Implementing comprehensive maintenance programs to prevent water-related issues.
- Considering additional coverage options, like flood insurance, based on your location and risk factors.
Protecting your senior living facility from water damage is crucial for the safety of your residents and the longevity of your operations. We’re here to help you navigate these complex insurance matters and ensure you have the right coverage in place.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to review your current policy. Your residents’ safety and your peace of mind are our top priorities.
Stay dry and secure!