Insurance Riders That Can Save You After a Flood or Water Leak
When a burst pipe or storm flood strikes, your insurance coverage is the last thing you want to discover isn’t enough. Many Michigan homeowners don’t realize that standard homeowners policies often exclude flood, drain backup, and sump pump failure damage.
At Adams Complete Cleaning & Restoration, we see this every week—and we want to help you avoid costly surprises. Here’s what you should know about insurance riders that can protect your home (and wallet) when water damage happens.
What Is an Insurance Rider?
An insurance rider, sometimes called an endorsement, is an add-on to your policy that covers specific risks not included in your base plan. For property owners, these riders can make the difference between a covered loss and an expensive repair bill.
Common Water-Related Riders Worth Considering
Sewer or Drain Backup Rider
Covers cleanup and repair costs if a clogged drain, broken line, or heavy rain forces sewage or water into your home — one of the most common basement flooding causes in Michigan.
→ Link internally to:/basement-flooding-services/Sump Pump Failure Rider
Protects you if a sump pump malfunctions or the power goes out during a storm. Without it, many basement floods aren’t covered at all.Overland Flood Rider
Covers water entering from surface flooding—such as heavy rain, melting snow, or overflowing rivers. Standard homeowners insurance excludes these events, so this rider is crucial for properties near lakes or low-lying areas.Mold or Moisture Damage Rider
Adds coverage for mold remediation and related cleanup following water damage.
Why This Matters in Michigan
Rapid freezes, spring thaws, and summer storms are common in Michigan weather, which can lead to basement floods and leaks. Yet many property owners assume “water damage” means “covered.” Unfortunately, it depends on the source.
Adams Restoration regularly helps homeowners navigate insurance documentation and recovery after water loss. Our experience gives us unique insight into how coverage really works when disaster strikes.
What to Do After a Water Loss
Stop the source—shut off water and power if safe.
Document the damage—photos and videos, before cleanup.
Call Adams Restoration—we provide detailed, insurance-ready moisture reports.
Contact your insurance agent—mention any riders you have or ask what applies.
Final Takeaway
Insurance riders may seem like an extra expense—until you need them.
Talk with your insurance provider about your current coverage, and keep Adams Restoration on your emergency contact list. If a flood, leak, or backup occurs, our certified team will handle the cleanup, drying, and documentation every insurer needs.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover basement flooding?
Not typically. Coverage depends on the cause — you’ll need a rider for sewer backup or sump pump failure.
Q: Are flood insurance and flood riders the same thing?
No. Flood insurance is a separate policy (often from FEMA’s NFIP). A flood rider is an add-on to your homeowners policy from your insurer.
Q: How can Adams Restoration help during an insurance claim?
We document all damage, provide moisture readings, and communicate directly with your adjuster to make the claim process smoother.