“My basement was flooded from outside rainwater run-off and my insurance company contacted ServPro of the UP for clean-up/restoration. The ServPro owner (Neal) called within an hour, and when I explained the situation, he said most insurance companies don't cover this kind of damage, and that I would have to pay a deposit of $1k upfront for him to come out. He highly recommended I verify I was covered before he scheduled the service. I called the insurance company back and guess what... Neal was right - no coverage for outside ground water. Needless to say, Neal could have completed the services and then I would have been stuck with a hefty bill, like $2500-$3000 since it was an emergency call on Saturday. Plus he may have had to take me to court/file lien, etc. Instead, Neal recommended I buy a $150 sump pump and get the water out quickly, and then let him know if I needed their services to further dry/restore the basement.
Thankfully, the water receded on it's own (like Neal said it probably would) and I have been able to dry out the rest of the basement myself. My furnace and hot water heater have to be replaced (out of pocket) so his honesty in letting me know I'd be liable for the pump-out service is rare these days. I am forever grateful for his candid assessment of my situation and if I ever DO have an incident that he could assist with I will definitely call him. Honesty is always the best policy !“
Damage Restoration
“My basement was flooded from outside rainwater run-off and my insurance company contacted ServPro of the UP for clean-up/restoration. The ServPro owner (Neal) called within an hour, and when I explained the situation, he said most insurance companies don't cover this kind of damage, and that I would have to pay a deposit of $1k upfront for him to come out. He highly recommended I verify I was covered before he scheduled the service.
I called the insurance company back and guess what... Neal was right - no coverage for outside ground water. Needless to say, Neal could have completed the services and then I would have been stuck with a hefty bill, like $2500-$3000 since it was an emergency call on Saturday. Plus he may have had to take me to court/file lien, etc. Instead, Neal recommended I buy a $150 sump pump and get the water out quickly, and then let him know if I needed their services to further dry/restore the basement.
Thankfully, the water receded on it's own (like Neal said it probably would) and I have been able to dry out the rest of the basement myself. My furnace and hot water heater have to be replaced (out of pocket) so his honesty in letting me know I'd be liable for the pump-out service is rare these days.
I am forever grateful for his candid assessment of my situation and if I ever DO have an incident that he could assist with I will definitely call him. Honesty is always the best policy !“