I recently purchased a house in July and got it insured with a service line policy. Just a week after moving in, we noticed water backing up in the basement from one of the floor drains. After calling someone to check it out, they found issues in the sewer line. Most of the line was replaced a few years back, but it seems the problem is happening between the house and the street, possibly due to a tree root and an unusual lift in part of the pipe. The recommended solution is to excavate to fix it. Given how early it is in my homeownership, should I go ahead and file a claim? I've never filed a claim for any house before.
3 Answers
It really comes down to the repair costs. If the estimate is high, like the first one you got at around $7,000, then definitely consider filing a claim. Since you have insurance for this, it could save you a lot of money in the long run. Reach out to your insurance agent—they'll guide you on your next steps.
Before filing any claims, I suggest getting about three quotes from different plumbers. That way, you can compare prices and get a clearer picture of what you're up against. Going through insurance is usually best for those big repair bills, but just keep in mind that they'll likely raise your premiums after a claim.
Have you thought about getting a second opinion? If the quotes you receive are substantial, it makes sense to involve your insurance. But also remember that they may increase your rates after a claim. If the repair could reach five digits, using your insurance could be justified, so weigh that against the potential cost increase.