Man Gets Help, Learns Insurance Lesson After Basement Floods

When a Kentucky American Water pipe leaked early Friday morning, it nearly filled one man’s basement.

Now, he’s receiving the help he needs and learning a lesson that you need to hear.

Lee Comley thought he was sunk. Early Friday morning, his basement turned into a pond after a pipe leak up the street.

He said he’s feeling grateful now, not only for the water company making some fixes but also, for a lesson learned in insurance coverage.

The water had been pumped out by Wednesday but the evidence remains. Muddy boots reminded Lee Comley of a nightmare turned reality early Friday morning when the water pipe leaked, causing severe flooding in his basement damaging his hot water heater and furnace.

Wednesday, Comley learned the water company was stepping in, sending crews to fix both.

A spokesperson for Kentucky American Water wouldn’t talk specifics on Comley’s situation but said in instances like these, the water company wasn’t liable.

"I’m tickled to death,” said Comley.

Before that relief, a sinking feeling when Comley learned this type of water damage wasn’t covered by homeowners’ insurance.

"I did not, I did not know that… It was all new to me."

It’s a misconception insurance professionals said can be straightened out by paying more attention to your coverage.

"What’s never covered and what is most common and misunderstood more than anything is surface water or ground water that either leaks in through a basement or comes in through a drain or under a door,” said area State Farm agent, Stewart Perry.

Comley said he learned a tough lesson in coverage. He wants others to learn through his experience.

"Number one thing, you get your homeowner’s insurance out and go over the policies really well."