Tag Archives: flood

Are Your Patios, Decks, and Porches Protected By Flood Insurance?

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Patios, porches, and decks bridge the outdoors and indoors. So, when a flood strikes, does flood insurance cover the cost of repairing those structures? Most customers don’t question this. They assume the answer is yes without confirming it, and unfortunately, we often have to tell them a different story. The team at Saucon Insurance Agency doesn’t want you to make the same assumption our customers did, so we’re addressing it here.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Patios, Porches, and Decks in Bethlehem, PA?

Whether attached or unattached, flood insurance does not cover the cost of repairing damaged patios, porches, and decks. Flood policies draw a clear line between property inside the insured home and property outside it. Interior belongings and the structure itself are covered, but patios, decks, and porches fall outside that scope because they’re considered exterior property. This holds true even if a porch is enclosed with mesh screens or glass, or if you’ve invested thousands of dollars into remodeling your deck.

Will Any Insurance Cover Patios, Porches, and Decks in Bethlehem, PA?

This exclusion is largely universal across flood insurance policies, including those through the National Flood Insurance Program, and there generally isn’t a rider available specifically to add flood coverage for these outdoor structures. That said, your standard homeowners policy may already provide some protection for decks, patios, and porches against other named perils, such as fire, windstorms, or vandalism, even though it won’t help with flood-related damage. One of our agents at Saucon Insurance Agency can review your current policy and your coverage options to help identify where protection already exists and where gaps remain.

It’s always disappointing to learn that flood insurance won’t cover exterior structures like decks, patios, and porches. The last thing we want is for you to pay the full cost of repairs yourself. We’ll do everything we can to help you understand your options and find the right coverage moving forward. Contact us for more information.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Mold Remediation?

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Most insurance companies in Bethlehem, PA, exclude floods, making it crucial to purchase additional flood insurance. This policy can help cover damages, but what about mold? Mold and water damage go hand in hand, so it’s important to know the details. 

Common Coverage

It’s essential to note that these policies typically only cover damage caused by rising water levels. So, water damage from a burst pipe or equipment failure may not be covered. Instead, you may have to file a claim with your property insurance. An agent at Saucon Insurance Agency can help you learn more about your coverage. 

Mold Remediation

Flood insurance may cover mold remediation, but certain exclusions apply. Your flood policy won’t cover mold if mold is already present. It also depends on your situation. If the building has mold because the water wasn’t removed immediately, the policy may deny the claim. 

On the other hand, if you couldn’t remove the water because you couldn’t get into the home due to the disaster or safety issues, the policy may still cover it. It boils down to whether the mold was a result of your action or inaction. 

Mold Coverage

Some insurance companies offer add-on coverage for items such as mold, bacteria, and rot. This type of insurance can help cover the cost of mold removal, but it is only available at select insurance companies and can be hard to find. 

Preventing Mold

The best step is to prevent mold anytime you can. Remove water from the structure as soon as possible. Ensure everything is properly dried out, and consider using a dehumidifier. Remove all porous materials, and thoroughly clean nonporous materials with a solution that can kill mold. 

We understand how frustrating mold can be after a flood. Compassionate agents at Saucon Insurance Agency can help you learn more about whether your policy covers mold remediation. Contact us to learn more. We’re currently serving the Bethlehem, PA, area.