BLOOMINGTON, Illinois, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Water is a vital part of the
seasonal transformation from the frozen ground of winter to the green lawns of
spring but it can just as easily destroy homes and belongings. Water losses are
rising even though many of these accidents are preventable. Visit http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/maintenance/wet-basement-problems/
to learn how you can prevent water from damaging your home.

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In 2013, State Farm Insurance paid more than $1.3 billion for more than
175,000 water loss claims as a result of burst frozen pipes, flooded basements,
and broken appliance hoses. The top 10 states with the most water-related State
Farm claims in 2013 were: 

1. Texas               
   21,700 claims
   
2. California         
   17,900 claims
   
3. Georgia            
   10,200 claims
   
4. Pennsylvania      9,100 claims
   
5. New
   York            8,700
   claims
   
6. Illinois            
       8,100 claims
   
7. Arizona           
      5,900 claims
   
8. Florida                5,800
   claims
   
9. Michigan             5,400
   claims
   
10. Tennessee          4,400
    claims

Understanding what your insurance policy covers will help keep your head
above water when there is a water loss. Reviewing your insurance policy annually
with your agent can help you as the homeowner make an informed decision about
adding coverage to your homeowner policy. Homeowner policies do not cover flood
losses.  Back-up of sewer or drain endorsement is an additional endorsement
that may be purchased for covered accidental direct physical loss caused by
water or sewage that enters through a sewer or drain that is located inside the
interior of the home or building. It also provides coverage if water enters and
overflows a sump pump well that is located inside the interior of the dwelling.
The Insurance Information Institute offers general information on the cause and
ways to prevent sewer backup at http://www.iii.org/articles/sewer-backup .

Maintenance of your home is vital when it comes to preventing water damage.
Preventive maintenance can be cheaper and easier than tearing out and replacing
the floor and subfloor because of an undetected leak from a toilet or pipe.

Suggestions for Regular Home Maintenance to Help Reduce Water
Damage

• Regular cleaning of your home’s interior helps you spot trouble early.
  Pull out everything under sinks monthly and check for moisture all the way
  back to the wall.
  
• Check water lines to ice makers, disposals, dishwashers and other
  appliances that use water. Be sure not to kink or puncture water lines if the
  appliance is moved.
  
• Check the sump pump
  (http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/maintenance/how-to-maintain-your-sump-pump/
  ) at least once per month as the metal
  pole on pedestal pumps can corrode, plus the float and intake can become stuck
  or clogged. Use batteries or a generator if you lose your electric power often
  during storms.

Suggestions for Seasonal Home Maintenance to Help Reduce Water
Damage

• Check your drains and gutters every few months. Water can seep into your
  home if leaves and debris block gutters and drain pipes.
  
• Gutters and downspouts should extend far enough away from the foundation
  to carry water away from the dwelling. The ground should slope away from your
  home, garage and outbuildings.
  
• Inspect your roof yearly. Make sure you don’t have any loose shingles and
  that the edging is down nice and tight.
  
• Inspect window frames and look around windows and doors for gaps between
  the sills where caulk needs replacing. Act quickly to replace, prime/paint and
  caulk any damaged wood.
  
• Replace appliance hoses
  (http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/safety-1/maintain-your-washing-machine/
  ) with a tougher hose that’s covered
  in flexible, braided steel.
  
• Consider having a water leak detection system
  (http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/maintenance/prevent-water-damage-with-a-water-leak-detection-system/
  ) installed. Water leak detection
  systems connect a water-sensitive probe to an electronic alarm that signals a
  water leak.

Sometimes water still gets in. If you have a finished basement, be aware of
the dollars you have at stake if a sewer or drain loss occurs. To ensure that
your belongings aren’t damaged, items stored in basement areas should be shelved
or kept off the floor. Furniture should be on casters or shims and arranged away
from floor drains. Don’t let water losses sink you. Remember that water will go
where it wants, when it wants, so take care of problems immediately.

About State Farm
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest
provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In
addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than
65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million
auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly
2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for
renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm
Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of
companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the Fortune 500 list of largest
companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com/ or
in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca/ .