March 2026: Asking for a Friend

Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.

That’s where Asking for a Friend comes in.

This monthly feature tackles real insurance questions we hear all the time — the ones people hesitate to ask because they don’t want to sound uninformed. (Spoiler: you’re not.)

No jargon. No judgment. Just clear, honest answers to help you make sense of how coverage actually works in real life.

Have a question of your own?
You’re probably not the only one wondering.

👉 Ask your question here →

We’ll answer one or more questions each month — anonymously — in our newsletter and on the blog.

👀 ASKING FOR A FRIEND Kennton Hoffman, Founder/CEO

March 2026

Q: If my basement floods from heavy rain, is that covered by my homeowners insurance?

A: Great question — and the frustrating answer is: it depends on where the water came from and how it got in. In any water loss, the first thing we look at is the source and path of the water.

Here are the most common scenarios:

1) “Flooding” from heavy rain (outside water rising/entering): usually NO

Traditional homeowners policies typically do not cover flood damage. That’s usually something you’d need a separate flood policy for.

2) Water coming in through a door, window, or window well: usually A FLOOD POLICY

If water enters through a man-made opening (like a door or window well), that’s generally considered flood-type damage and is typically handled (if covered) by a flood policy, not a homeowners policy.

3) Sump pump failure or sewer/drain backup: possibly YES (if you added the right coverage)

If water comes up through a floor drain, backs up from the sewer system, or spills from a sump pump well, you may have coverage under your homeowners policy if you’ve selected “Water Backup of Sewage and Drain” coverage. Not everyone has it automatically — it’s usually an add-on.

4) Seepage (water coming in where the wall meets the floor/stem wall): almost always NO

If water seeps in through the foundation area (often where the walls meet the floor), that’s commonly called seepage, and seepage is almost always excluded under standard homeowners policies. Some carriers in other states have started offering limited add-ons, but availability varies a lot by carrier and state — and it’s uncommon in Kansas.

5) Hydrostatic pressure: rare and tricky — SOMETIMES COVERED by certain carriers

This is less common, but it happens. Some carriers may cover it, but many do not. If you’re curious, it’s worth looking up “hydrostatic pressure” for a deeper explanation — it’s a unique cause of basement water issues.

Bottom line: If your basement took on water and you’re not sure how it happened, we can help you figure out what category it falls into. If you want to submit a follow-up with what happened (where the water came in / what you noticed first), I may be able to shed more light on your specific situation.

Pro tip: Before you assume it’s not covered — or file a claim — call or email us. Sometimes a 2-minute conversation saves a lot of frustration.

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June Recipe of the Month: Chicken Caesar Wraps

June 18, 2026

So simple to make at home and 1000% worth the little effort it requires.

The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day

June 18, 2026

The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day Summer has a way of making “quick little outings” turn into full-blown adventures. A trip to the pool becomes dinner on the way home. A Saturday errand turns into a stop at the park. A lake day somehow requires 47 items, three snacks, and at least one person asking, “Did anyone bring sunscreen?” Enter: The Summer Go Bag . It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized. It’s just a small tote, backpack, bin, or canvas bag you keep stocked with the little things that make summer life easier. Think of it as your warm-weather backup plan. What to put in your Summer Go Bag: Sunscreen + bug spray Because nothing ruins a good day faster than realizing you needed both about two hours ago. Reusable water bottles Keep one or two empty bottles in the bag, or toss in a couple of bottles of water before you leave. A small first-aid kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and any must-have family basics. Phone charger or power bank Especially helpful for road trips, long days out, or those “I swear my phone was at 42% five minutes ago” moments. Wet wipes + tissues For sticky hands, spilled drinks, mystery car messes, and every parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who has learned the hard way. A lightweight towel or blanket Great for parks, wet seats, surprise splash pads, outdoor concerts, or impromptu picnics. A few snacks Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks — anything that can survive a little heat and prevent a hunger-related family incident. Plastic bags or a small trash bag For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, snack wrappers, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your car. Spare sunglasses or a hat Simple, useful, and always appreciated when someone forgets theirs. Pet basics, if applicable A leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a small towel can make pet-friendly outings much easier. Where to keep it: Your car is usually the easiest spot, especially if you’re often on the go. If your vehicle gets too hot, keep heat-sensitive items like sunscreen, medicine, and snacks inside the house and toss them in before you leave. You can also make a smaller version for: Pool bags Lake bags Sports practices Road trips Grandkid days Dog park visits The real trick: Restock when you get home The Go Bag only works if it’s ready when you need it. After a busy weekend, take two minutes to replace what you used: snacks, wipes, sunscreen, bandages, water bottles, or plastic bags. That tiny reset makes the next outing so much easier. Summer should feel a little more spontaneous — and a little less like you’re packing for an expedition every time you leave the house. A simple Go Bag won’t solve everything, but it might just save the day.