The Bensman Group :: Insurable Interests Newsletter

Bensman Risk Management, Inc.
2333 Waukegan Road Suite 275
Bannockburn, IL 60015
847-572-0800 Phone
847-572-0502 Fax

Insurable Interests may offer general financial, insurance, tax and business ideas. However, due to the ever-changing tax laws as well as the complexity of the financial industry, you should seek professional advice before implementing any of the ideas contained in this newsletter. The Bensman Group, Bensman Associates Ltd., Bensman Risk Management, Inc. or Schemata, L.L.C. assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with the use of this newsletter.

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Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS). Kestra IS and Kestra AS are not affiliated with The Bensman Group, Bensman Associates Ltd., Bensman Risk Management, Inc. or Schemata, L.L.C.

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Insurable Interests

Vol. 12, Issue 8 • April 2017

MONTHLY MESSAGE

Planning for Spring Flooding

In many parts of the country, spring is the season of flooding. If water gets into your home, the damage can be significant – and expensive. So what can you do to protect yourself?

First, understand what kinds of water damage your homeowner’s insurance covers, and doesn’t cover. Your policy probably covers mold remediation and sewer backup. However, it probably does not cover losses from water that enters your home from outside. For example, if water comes in through basement windows, you probably are not covered. If it comes in through cracks in your foundation, you probably are not covered. To get coverage for those losses, you need to buy flood insurance.

If you live where flooding is common, you should take steps to minimize any losses you might have. For example, make sure that appliances in areas prone to flooding are elevated. Also elevate important items and store them in waterproof bins, if possible. Better yet, don’t store them at all in a basement or lower level.

Make sure that your sump pump is working properly and that it switches automatically to a backup power source if the power goes out. You also can buy inexpensive battery-operated moisture sensors that can alert you to any problems. These can be handy even if there is no generalized flooding, alerting you to a leak in your water heater, for example. If you have a vacation home, use water sensors that work through your alarm system.

Keep a list handy of companies that provide cleanup services, just in case, and call them right away if you experience flooding. If you are having water problems, the chances are good that a lot of your neighbors are also having them, and you don’t want to be at the end of the line for cleanup. At The Bensman Group, we have lists of trusted contractors who can help with flood cleanup, and we would be happy to provide those to you.

We will be happy to discuss your flood preparedness, including coverage under your homeowner’s policy, or any other insurance questions you have. You can contact us at 847-572-0828 or ksavage@bensman.com.