‘The insurance companies do not cover flood damage unless it is purchased separately. They define “flood damage” as damage done after the rain has touched the ground.’
However, in this kind of case, when XX people have same problem, often the companies call it “catastrophic coverage” and you DO get covered, regardless of reason.
This has happened to us TWICE in 2011 with State Farm, same flooding - 1 by the storms everyone heard “hyped” (Irene/Lee), the other a much lesser unreported common rainstorm but caused havoc all around here.
After Irene/Lee (the 2nd storm in 6 mos), SF told us to get a back-up sump or we’d be dumped! We now have 1, and I just hope it works.
When it gets widespread, I guess it turns political. It is good you were covered. My brother also had to have a sump pump in his basement, and winter storms were tough, especially when the outside drain for the sump would freeze.
One thing I have seen is the most dependable utility in most natural disasters is Nat Gas. With no water, phone, power, or cellphones, the nat gas lines are still up and working. Thing is not much outside of heating and cooking can run on nat gas in this country.
In the runup to Y2k (I know, I know), I did convert my generator to run off propane and nat gas. Many emergency backup gennys (hospitals, LEO installations, etc) are piped into the gas lines, as well as some of the high end home backup power systems.
But for having to keep a sump pump running, not much is available as far as natural gas powered equipment for the consumer should power stay out for extended time.