TOW N SHI P OF SHAL E R N E WS
Shaler
ARE YOU COVERED FOR
PROPERTY DAMAGE?
If you’ve ever experienced property damage caused by a sewer
system back-up, chances are you found that the damage was not
covered by any insurance coverage. All local governments in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are afforded sovereign immunity
against third party claims for property loss damaged under the
Political Subdivision Torts Claim Act. Some exceptions do apply,
but generally conditions are very specific for exceptions to be
validated.
The Tort Claims Act states that “a local agency cannot be held
liable for a dangerous condition of a sewer system unless it had
actual notice or could reasonably be charged with notice under the
circumstances at a sufficient time prior to the event to have taken
measures to protect against the dangerous condition”
Because most sewer system backups are unforeseen events,
they generally don’t fall under this exception. Therefore, damage
to your home or property is not compensable by the Township or
its’ insurance carrier.
Homeowner’s Insurance: Some homeowner insurance carriers
offer additional insurance to guard against this type of loss. Costs
for such coverage is generally minimal. The Township suggests
you contact your homeowner insurance agent to review possible
coverage for this type of loss. The time to discover that you’re not
covered for this type of claim is not when the event occurs. A little
preparation, a few phone calls, and a minimal annual investment
may be all you need to give you peace of mind when it comes to
these types of unexpected losses.
WHAT NOT TO FLUSH!
Plumbing companies are ge GF