Was your car caught in Detroit’s floods? Here are some insurance tips

Sept. 29--Editor's note: This story originally published Aug. 13, 2014.

In the wake of flooding, Michigan homeowners and drivers should tap into some tips from insurance professionals.

If your car was stranded in water, AAA Michigan suggests you call the claim in immediately. Time is of the essence in regard to a flood damage claim, according to Susan Hiltz, a spokeswoman for AAA Michigan.

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Contact your insurance company's claim service, if your insurance agent's office is not available. Especially in a catastrophic claim situation, you want to be first in line to get your claim processed.

Take time to go back and reclaim your car if you left it parked somewhere. Be patient about getting towing or someone to answer the phone.

Make sure to get your car or truck dried out as soon as possible. You want to avoid a total-loss situation. It is best to work with professionals and not try a do-it-yourself project.

Find out about using your insurance carrier's preferred body shop, if necessary.

AAA Michigan pointed out that one of the major problems with a flood-damaged car or truck is the potential for future problems. Check with your insurance carrier or agent to see if your repairs are guaranteed.

Allstate Insurance said that claims for flood-damaged vehicles are handled on a case-by-case basis. Rising water or driving through water on the roadway is covered under comprehensive auto coverage.

Your home

What if your basement is a mess? Get to work on it as soon as possible. But take care to wear gloves and protect yourself.

Remove water-damaged items from the home as soon as possible.

If you're looking for professional help, do not be surprised if you're quoted a fee of $2,500 or more and you might be required to pay up front by credit card. No checks.

Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. But limited coverage for basement flooding is available under a flood insurance policy. A flood insurance policy defines a basement as any room where the floor is below ground level on all four sides.

Coverage is available under the Building Coverage section and is limited to:

Furnaces, hot-water heaters, water softeners, central air conditioners, heat pumps

Utility connections, sump pumps, fuel and water tanks

Supports and anchors required to hold up building, fiberglass insulation, dry wall or sheet rock walls, unfinished, unfloated and not taped

Electrical wiring and circuit breaker boxes

Typically, clothes washers, dryers and food freezers located in a basement would not be covered under Building Coverage, according to AAA Michigan.

Contact your insurance agent to see what kind of coverage you have under your homeowners policy. Did you buy extra coverage for sewer backup by endorsement or did you buy a separate policy?

AAA Michigan said that coverage is not available for sewer backup under a flood insurance policy.

Allstate said that residents can make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, keeping receipts for materials. They should let their adjuster know about the temporary repairs and be prepared to provide receipts.

And yes, take lots of photos and not just for Facebook.

Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (i.e. cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) to help prepare your estimate.

Inventory your home for damaged items before the adjustor arrives.

Make a detailed list of damage and discuss it with the insurance adjuster. It can help expedite the claim process.

Contact Susan Tompor: 313-222-6823 or stompor@freepress.com

Susan Tompor advises calling in the claim immediately

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