Does Insurance Cover Basement Waterproofing?

One of your biggest fears as a homeowner has just come true: your basement has flooded. Upon inspection, you find out that you have a foundation problem – and it's a big one. How are you going to pay for it?

If you're wondering if your insurance policy will cover basement waterproofing, here's what you should know.

Water Damage in Basements

Basements can flood due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common ones include sump pump failure; leaky pipes; overflowing bathtubs, toilets, and floor drains; improper lot grading; and foundation issues. Foundation problems can range from cracks in the walls or foundation to an unmaintained foundation.

Besides the aggravation of cleaning up your wet basement, it can be expensive to repair water damage and the water source.

Home Insurance and Water Damage 

If your basement leak is from an internal water source such as a broken appliance or a burst pipe, home insurance likely covers it.

Unfortunately, most basic home insurance policies do not cover leaking basements caused by your foundation. These issues are considered maintenance issues and are the homeowner's responsibility. 

Basement leaks not covered by insurance may include water damage from weather, sewer system backups, and groundwater intrusions. I recent years, due to climate change, more and more insurance companies are offering water damage coverage as basement flooding is becoming more commonplace in Ontario.

Each home insurance policy is different, so if you are worried about a flooded basement, shop around when it’s time to renew your contract. Check with your home insurance policy to know if you would be protected if basement water damage were to occur.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Basement 

To prevent a leaky basement from happening, it's important to complete regular foundation inspections. Your best option is to have one completed by a basement waterproofing expert, but you could also complete one yourself.

Both the interior and exterior of your home should be thoroughly inspected. Outside, check for unlevel foundation walls and look for any damage, cracks, or moisture in the concrete. Inside your home, see if there are any cracks, separation problems, or buckling or bulging floors. Ensure there's adequate caulking around windows and doors.

Waterproofing Your Basement

To prevent more water from entering your basement, the waterproofing experts at Foundation Fix will need to inspect your basement walls. Your home might need to have better grading, or you might have cracks in your basement walls that need to be fixed.

Other issues could include leaky window wells, bowed walls, or clogged weeping tile.

Are you experiencing basement water damage at your Niagara or surrounding area home or want a foundation inspection completed to prevent a basement leak? If so, contact us today to request a no-obligation, on-site inspection.