Short answer: Wisconsin homeowners policies commonly exclude sewer and drain backup, earth movement and flood, so the first job is adding the endorsements and policies you need. If no regular insurer will cover you, the Wisconsin Insurance Plan is the state's residual market. Insurers must give 60 days' notice before the policy's expiration date if they won't renew, and must pay a covered loss within 30 days after written notice of the loss and its amount, or owe interest.
This guide is general information for Wisconsin homeowners. It isn't legal advice. Your policy wording controls.
Step 1: Close the common gaps
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Consumer's Guide to Homeowners Insurance notes that damage from sewers or drains backing up is excluded from most policies, as is damage from earth movement, neglect and power failure, and loss of animals or damage to cars. Ask your agent for a sewer and drain backup endorsement, which matters in basements. Flood needs its own policy; see FloodSmart.
Step 2: If you can't find coverage, the Wisconsin Insurance Plan
OCI's guide points owners who can't get coverage from a regular insurer to the Wisconsin Insurance Plan, the state's residual market under Wis. Admin. Code Ins 4.10. Ask a licensed Wisconsin agent to help you apply, and expect an inspection. See FAIR Plan vs. surplus lines home insurance.
Step 3: Non-renewal notice
Under Wis. Stat. §631.36, insurers must give 60 days' notice before the policy's stated expiration date. Details: Wisconsin homeowners non-renewal rules.
Step 4: The 30-day payment rule
Under Wis. Stat. §628.46, a claim is overdue if not paid within 30 days after the insurer gets written notice of the covered loss and its amount, and overdue payments earn interest. More: Wisconsin insurance claim deadlines.
See our tables: non-renewal notice rules by state, insurance claim deadlines by state and home insurance claim and lawsuit deadlines by state.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Wisconsin.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin homeowners insurance cover sewer backup?
Most policies exclude it, according to OCI. Ask for a sewer and drain backup endorsement.
What is the Wisconsin Insurance Plan?
Wisconsin's residual property insurance market for owners who can't get coverage from a regular insurer.
How much notice before a Wisconsin homeowners non-renewal?
60 days before the policy's stated expiration date, under Wis. Stat. §631.36.
When is a Wisconsin home claim payment overdue?
If it isn't paid within 30 days after written notice of the covered loss and its amount, under Wis. Stat. §628.46.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.