Many metro Detroit homeowners are learning the fine print of their insurance policies after this week's heavy rains and floods, and are facing the harsh reality that they aren't covered for their flooded basements.

Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, and most flood insurance doesn't cover objects in basements including TVs, computers, sofas, and refrigerators. Common federally backed flood insurance will cover a basement's foundation walls and drywall and major appliances like furnaces, but not flooring, regardless of how the water got in.

Much of the basement flooding experienced by Detroit-area residents this week is from sewer backups due to the flash flooding. The Detroit Free Press reports that towns and cities are inviting residents to file damage claims with the municipalities within a 45-day deadline. In some instances, municipalities can be responsible for damages that resulted from a backup, especially if it occured as a result of faulty infrastructure.

Jim Fouts, mayor of the city of Warren, Mich., one of the cities inviting residents to file basement flood claims, told the Detroit Free Press that “every claim will be evaluated on an individual basis.”

Special Reports /

Detroit residents face the fine print: Many flooded basements not covered by insurance

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