Does Homeowners Insurance Cover My Flooded Basement? | Blog | Vargas & Vargas Insurance

As heavy rains subside, or snow melts many homeowners and renters are left wondering: Will my insurance cover the water damage in my basement? Unfortunately, for most, the answer is ‘probably not.’ Standard homeowners’ insurance typically excludes flood damage, so unless you have a dedicated flood insurance policy, you’ll likely have to cover the cost of recent rain-related water damage on your own.

The Insurance Information Institute provides a general guideline: damage from water coming from the top down, like ice dams, is often covered, but when water rises from the bottom up, as in flooding, it’s usually not covered. If you have any questions or need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

Many homeowners in low-risk flood areas may think they don’t need flood insurance. However, it’s important to know that about one-third of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) come from these areas. Over a 30-year mortgage, there’s a 26% chance your home could be damaged by a flood, compared to a 9% chance of fire damage. Repairing flood damage can be costly, and you can estimate these costs with a flooding cost calculator.

To learn more about floods, your risk, and the NFIP, visit Floodsmart.gov. Don’t risk being unprepared—talk to your agent about affordable flood insurance options, even if you live in a low or moderate-risk zone.

What Happens When Your House Has Water Damage?

You don’t need a big disaster like a hurricane or flood to damage your home with water. Even small issues like poor soil grading, minor pipe leaks, clogged gutters, or a broken sump pump can lead to problems.

Most water damage can be prevented if you catch these issues early.

Water damage can be really bad for your home. It can ruin walls, create mold, and weaken the structure. So, it’s best to stop the problems before they start. Here are some steps to help you prevent water damage in your home.

Maintain Your Gutters And Downspouts

Downspouts are designed to direct water from your gutters down the side of your house, which is usually effective. However, if the downspouts discharge water directly next to your house, it can run along your foundation.

This can lead to quick erosion of the soil around your house and water seeping into your home through the foundation, causing significant damage.

To ensure your downspouts are working properly, test them by running water through your gutters. If the water doesn’t flow away correctly, you can fix this by adding a 90-degree downspout elbow and an extension to divert the water at least two feet away from your house.

Clean Gutters

Gutters are crucial for directing rainwater away from your house, especially the foundation. To ensure they function properly alongside your downspouts, keeping them clean is a must.

To prevent water from accumulating near your foundation, it’s a good idea to clean your gutters at least twice a year. You can either do it yourself using an extension ladder or hire a professional for the job.

During the winter, be vigilant for ice dams and consider adding protective measures along your roof’s edges to prevent water from seeping into your attic.

Inspect your drains and pipes

Check your sink drains regularly to prevent leaks and ensure wastewater goes to the sewer system through waste pipes. Leaks can lead to water damage in cabinets or even more serious issues between floors and inside walls.

Under your sinks, inspect for any signs of leaks, and repair or replace P-traps as necessary.

To maintain your drains:

  1. Stick to a regular cleaning routine.
  2. Avoid pouring grease down the drains.
  3. Use strainers in all sink and shower drains.
  4. Clean out the strainers frequently, disposing of debris in the trash, not down the drain.
  5. Verify that your bathtub’s overflow drain is functioning properly.
  6. As part of your cleaning routine, check all drain traps for any issues.

Ensure your sump pump is operational

Make sure your sump pump is in good working order. It’s usually found in your basement or crawl space and serves as the last defense against indoor flooding or rising groundwater.

When water rises in the sump pit, a float triggers the pump to start removing excess water from your home. Essentially, it gets rid of unwanted water.

Regularly confirm that your sump pump activates as it should and successfully removes water. Ensure it’s plugged into a functional electrical outlet.

Check that the circuit breaker linked to the sump pump’s GFCI is switched on, as newer arc-fault protection circuit breakers can sometimes malfunction. Replace any faulty breakers as necessary.

Occasionally, a sump pump might accidentally tip over, so verify that it’s standing upright and that the float mechanism is functioning. You can pour water into the sump pit to confirm that it pumps water correctly.

Check your roof

Each season, check your roof for loose, missing, damaged, or cracked shingles.

A roof that isn’t in good shape can lead to water damage in your home.

Even if there’s no significant water damage, roofs can still develop leaks in various ways. Before bad weather hits, use a ladder to access your roof. Walk across it to look for any shingles that might let water seep into your house.

Additionally, be aware of overgrown moss, which can sneak under the shingles. After storms, inspect your roof for any harm caused by fallen tree limbs.

How Much Does A Flood Insurance Policy Cost

Flood insurance prices can be quite different because many factors come into play. Without specific information, it’s hard to give you an exact cost.

But we can provide a general estimate based on what we often see:

For homes: Flood insurance for a home usually falls somewhere between $500 and $12,000 per year. It’s a big range, but it depends on a bunch of things, like what flood zone that youare in, deductible chosen, prior flood claims, and what type of foundation your home sits on, where your personal items are located and many more factors.

To give you a clearer picture, here are some real examples of flood insurance policies we’ve provided:

  1. A primary home in Easton, MA, located in flood zone X, with coverage of $250,000 and a deductible of $5,000, costs $676.16.
  2. Another primary home in Northborough MA, also in flood zone X, with $250,000 in coverage and a $1,250 deductible, costs $572.
  3. A second home in Revere, MA, situated in flood zone AE, with coverage of $250,000 and a deductible of $10,000, costs $6,748.
  4. Lastly, a second home in Mashpee, MA, located in flood zone VE, with coverage at $210,000 and a deductible of $10,000, costs $24,110

Your Local Independent Insurance Broker

For over four decades, Vargas & Vargas Insurance has been committed to assisting families and individuals. Our team is ready to answer any inquiries you may have, whether it’s about flood insurance, home insurance, condo or renters insurance, auto insurance or business insurance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at 617-298-0655.

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What Happens to My Auto Insurance After a Hit & Run?

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
If someone hits your car and drives off, it’s called a hit and run . Imagine leaving the grocery store to find your bumper smashed with no note or witnesses. It’s not just the damage that’s frustrating; it’s the uncertainty about what to do next. Why Are Hit & Runs Confusing? Many drivers aren't sure what to do because we aren’t often taught how insurance works for these situations. But the more you know, the more protected you’ll be. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we guide drivers through hit and run claims, breaking down the process in simple terms. Key Questions Answered: What is a hit & run under Massachusetts law? What auto insurance helps in this situation? Will your premium go up? What immediate steps should you take? What Is a "Hit & Run"? A "hit and run" involves another driver damaging your car or injuring you and leaving without giving their info. It could happen in a parking lot, on the street, or even at home. Massachusetts law requires you to report it and file a claim. Coverage That Helps in a Hit & Run Your auto policy can help—if you have the right coverage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Essential for covering injuries to you or passengers. Collision Coverage: Covers car damage but requires you to pay the deductible. Note: Massachusetts is a no-fault state , needing collision and/or UM coverage for protection. Will Your Insurance Rates Rise? It depends. If considered a not-at-fault accident, rates might not increase. However, lack of a police report or a history of claims might affect rates. Reporting it properly is crucial. What Actions Should You Take? Call the police immediately to file a report. Take photos of all damage and surroundings. Seek witnesses or security camera footage. Contact your insurance agent for advice on filing a claim. Keep all records , like police reports and photos. The Bottom Line You can't control reckless drivers, but you can control your preparedness. Here's what you need to know: Have collision and uninsured motorist coverage for protection. A police report is essential. Your agent is your best ally for making claim decisions.  If you’ve returned to your car to find damage without a note, you know the stress. Now you know the steps to take and the protections you need. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we’re here to make this simple and stress-free. Unsure if your policy protects you from a hit & run? Call us at 617-298-0655 . Let’s ensure you’re covered before it happens.

Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
In this post, we'll guide you through what happens when someone is injured on your property, how personal liability insurance can provide protection, and the steps you should take immediately if an accident occurs. By the end, you'll understand common scenarios that trigger personal liability coverage, what's included (and not included) in a standard policy, how claims are managed, and practical tips to protect yourself both before and after an accident. Understanding Personal Liability Insurance Personal liability insurance is designed to protect you financially if you are found legally responsible for someone’s injury or damage to their property. Typically, this coverage is part of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If an incident occurs on your property and you’re held responsible, your personal liability insurance can help cover: Medical expenses for the injured person. Legal defense costs if you’re sued. Settlement or judgment amounts awarded to the injured party. Without this coverage, you could face out-of-pocket expenses which could amount to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the situation. Common Injury Scenarios on Your Property Personal liability coverage may be applicable in situations like: A guest slipping on an icy walkway. A child falling off a swing in your backyard. A delivery driver tripping over a loose step. A neighbor’s fence being damaged by a tree falling from your yard.  Accidents can happen even if precautions are taken, and unfortunately, being "careful" doesn't automatically shield you from legal or medical bills. What’s Not Covered It's crucial to understand that personal liability insurance doesn't cover everything. Most policies exclude: Injuries to you or household members. Intentional acts causing harm. Certain high-risk situations, such as injuries from business activities conducted at home (unless you have separate business liability coverage). Understanding these exclusions can prevent surprises and the frustrations often accompanying a denied claim. What Happens After an Injury on Your Property If someone is injured on your property: Get medical help immediately — the priority should be the person’s safety and well-being. Document the incident — take photos, collect witness statements, and record all details. Notify your insurance company — report the incident promptly, even if unsure whether the injured party will make a claim. Avoid admitting fault — stick to the facts when speaking with the injured person and your insurer. Once a claim is filed, your insurance company will: Investigate the incident. Determine whether your policy covers the claim. Handle negotiations, settlements, or defense in court if necessary. How to Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens While insurance covers the unexpected, prevention is better than reaction. Reduce your risk by: Keeping walkways clear of ice, snow, and clutter. Repairing loose steps, handrails, and flooring. Properly maintaining landscaping and trees. Providing adequate lighting for entrances and pathways. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property safe but shows responsible behavior if a claim is filed. The Role of Your Insurance Broker An experienced insurance broker can help you: Review your policy to ensure adequate liability coverage limits. Clarify exclusions so you understand what's not covered. Guide you through the claims process if an injury occurs. Suggest umbrella insurance for additional liability protection beyond your standard policy limits. Having a broker means you aren't navigating these situations alone — you'll have someone familiar with your policy advocating for you. The Bottom Line Accidents can occur anywhere to anyone at any time. If someone gets hurt on your property, personal liability insurance can safeguard your finances, cover legal costs, and help manage the situation professionally. The key is understanding how your coverage works before you need it. This involves knowing your policy limits, understanding exclusions, and ensuring you have sufficient protection in place. Additional Resources: Insurance Information Institute – Understanding Liability Coverage NAIC – Consumer’s Guide to Home Insurance