A second basement flood for Milwaukee homeowners reveals how insurance claims affect policy costs and coverage

Charles Collins' basement was already ruined once by flooding. Now, heavy rains have filled it with water again, damaging tools, furniture, and personal belongings. For Collins and his wife, who suffer from spinal stenosis and COPD, the cleanup is physically exhausting and carries an additional worry: what this second claim might mean for their homeowners insurance.

Collins fears his insurer will either raise his premiums or cancel his policy. But public insurance adjuster Martin Kaczmarek says that fears are often misplaced. Weather-related claims like flooding are considered 'acts of God' and are unlikely to result in policy cancellation. Instead, insurance premiums in Collins' ZIP code are set by the state insurance commissioner based on losses across the entire area. If many homes are damaged, premiums may rise for everyone in the neighborhood.

Kaczmarek advises homeowners facing flood damage to document everything, mitigate the loss, read their policy carefully, and consider hiring a licensed public adjuster. These adjusters work on contingency, meaning they're only paid if the homeowner receives a payout.

Attorney Justin Wallace adds that the value of an insurance policy lies in its ability to cover losses, even if future premiums may rise. He says multiple claims caused by unavoidable events like flooding should not be treated as high risk by insurers. But he also notes that premiums could still increase due to the area's growing risk profile.

For Collins, the second flood is not just about water in the basement. It's about navigating insurance, protecting health, and wondering if the next storm will bring yet another round of damage.