Amid sewage back up, some Minn. homeowners lack coverage
A number of homeowners in Chanhassen, Minnesota, were left reeling after a water main break last week sent sewage spilling into more than a dozen homes.
To their dismay, many of them soon discovered their standard homeowners insurance policies did not cover the damage, according to KARE-TV. Mark Kulda, a representative of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, explained that depending on the homeowners insurance policy, residents may have to purchase an additional rider.
"It's not covered under a regular homeowner's policy. But for a very small amount of money extra, you can add a rider, called 'back up of sewer and drain endorsement,'" explained Kulda. "If you're not clear, you're not sure, ask the questions."
Kulda told the TV station homeowners could receive "errors and omission insurance" if they feel their company did not properly inform them of the additional coverage, while some local homeowners said they're hoping the city will chip in to cover repair costs.
The incident started overnight last Wednesday, when a broken main sent thousands of gallons of water into sewer lines. Paul Oehme, the public works director in Chanhassen, told the Star-Tribune it was a rare event.
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