Water Damage Insurance Claim Checklist for Michigan Homeowners

Before Help Arrives

Mold can begin growing on wet materials within 24–48 hours, and Lansing basements dry slowly. Do these first, in order:

• Stay out of water near electricity. Shut off basement breakers only if you can reach the panel without stepping in water.
• Stop the source. Main water valve for a pipe or appliance; check power, the GFCI, and the float for a sump pump.
• Floor drain backing up? Stop using all water in the house and treat it as sewage — keep people and pets out.
• Move belongings out of the water if it's safe, and lift furniture onto blocks.
• Don't wait to call. The sooner extraction and dehumidifiers start, the more gets dried instead of replaced.

What to Photograph

• The source: the failed pipe, hose, water heater, sump pit and pump, or floor drain.
• The water level: a tape measure in standing water; the high-water line on walls and boxes.
• Every affected room from each corner, plus a narrated video walk-through.
• Damaged belongings with brand, model, and serial numbers visible.
• Outside, for storms: water in the yard, window wells, street, and neighbors' properties.

Which Michigan Coverage Applies

• Burst pipe, water heater, appliance: usually covered by a standard homeowners policy.
• Floor-drain or sewer backup, sump overflow: excluded unless you have a water backup endorsement.
• Seepage through walls or floor: usually excluded.
• River or surface flooding: needs NFIP or private flood insurance.
• Renters: the landlord's policy covers the building; your renters policy covers your belongings.

If the Public Sewer Backed Up: 45-Day Notice

Michigan law (MCL 691.1416–.1419) requires written notice to the city or utility within 45 days of discovering the damage. The notice must include:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• The address of the affected property
• The date you discovered the damage
• A brief description of the claim

Date discovered: ____________   45-day deadline: ____________   Sent to: ________________________

Records to Keep

• Dates and times: when it happened and when you found it
• Receipts: plumber, cleanup, hotel, replacement items
• The plumber's report of what failed
• Moisture logs and photos from your restoration company
• Claim numbers, adjuster names, and every call, with dates